Recommended Roof Rack and Rooftop Tent for a 5th Gen 2009-Present Toyota 4Runner

Question:

Im currently looking into a rooftop tent that weights 145lbs. I have a 5th Gen Toyota 4Runner, with stock roof rails on it. Im wondering what I need to purchase to accommodate the new rooftop tent. Would a product like the Thule Aeroblade Roof Bars work, or do I need something more? I understand that it just needs to support a dynamic load of 145lbs, but want to make sure I purchase the right cross bars. I get confused with the roof rail dynamic loads and how they are effected with the addition of cross bars or racks. Ive attached a picture of the rooftop tent we are looking into. Thank you in advance!

asked by: Adam

Expert Reply:

The specific requirements that will need to be meet to use a rooftop tent on your 5th Gen (2009-Present) Toyota 4Runner will come from the rooftop tent manufacturer. If all that they require is a roof rack that has a 165 lb dynamic weight capacity then you can use the Thule WingBar Evo Crossbar System part # TH711420 and part # TH710401 which replaced the Thule AeroBlade System. The Thule WingBar Evo Crossbar System has a dynamic weight capacity of 220 lbs so there will be no issues here.

I will say that if you have concerns with the limitations of your vehicle you may want to look into the Yakima SkyRise Tent for Roof Rack Crossbars part # Y07437. The reason for this is because Yakima does extensive testing on the SkyRise for multiple vehicles so they have confirmed their system works and meets the weight capacity limits of your Toyota 4Runner. They however prefer that you use their roof rack, the Yakima JetStream Crossbar System part # Y00426 and part # Y00147. This will also allow you to lock everything using the same key if you also acquire the Yakima Same Key System part # Y07208.

expert reply by: Conner L