Rooftop Tent Compatibility on 2012 Nissan Xterra Factory Roof Rack

Question:

I am curious if the Yakima SkyRise HD medium or small rooftop tent will fit/be compatible with the factory roof rack of my 2012 Xterra and which, if any, additional roof rack would need to be purchased or crossbars would work on the factory roof rack? Yakima’s site says the tent is not compatible with my vehicle and I do not know if their recommended streamline roof rack with timberline towers will work? I’m am unsure if the weight of these tents exceeds the dynamic weight rating of the factory roof rack of the xterra? Thank you for your help. Have a big road trip to Alaska planned and would love use a roof top tent with my vehicle but want to make sure I purchase a tent and roof rack that will work and fit.

asked by: Benjamin W

Expert Reply:

The Yakima SkyRise Tents aren't directly compatible with your 2012 Nissan Xterra Roof Rack. You will need to add crossbars so I recommend the Rhino-Rack Vortex Aero Crossbars - Aluminum - Black - 46" Long - Qty 2 # RRVA118B-2 and the Rhino-Rack SX Series Legs for Vortex Aero Crossbars - Raised Factory Side Rails - Qty 4 # RRSX008. This roof rack combination is rated for 165 lbs and is compatible with the SkyRise. The only parameter is the crossbar spacing needs to be between 26 and 36 inches.

The SkyRise HD tent like # Y07437 or 2 person # Y07436 are the same weight but allow a wider bar spacing. They are rated for bar spacing between 26 and 40-1/2 inches on center.

The tent will weigh either 115 lbs unloaded for the 3 person or either 95 lbs (or 101.41 lbs HD) for the 2 person when packed up. When set-up the ladder adds the extra load capacity and support needed so you can have people in the tent on the roof rack which will hold the additional weight without issue. We have had people climb inside these for trainings and they are very sturdy.

expert reply by: Jason S