Recommended Roof Rack For Roof Top Tent On 2012 GMC Yukon SLE

Question:

I have a 2012 GMC Yukon SLE and would like to mount a rooftop tent and awning. Do you have a recommendation of a heavy duty roof rack? Searching this vehicle gives a surprisingly slim, if any, options. Do you know if my vehicle’s structure is the limiting factor?

asked by: Brett

Expert Reply:

I was able to find in the owner's manual of your 2012 GMC Yukon SLE that the roof weight capacity is 200lbs, which leads me to believe that the roof capacity is not the cause for the amount of options for your vehicle.

There are a few different roof styles available on the 2012 GMC Yukon SLE, so I will list my recommendation for each style.

If you have the factory installed raised rails the run front to back I recommend the Rhino Rack Roof Rack System that uses 54" Rhino-Rack Vortex Aero Crossbars # RRVA137B-2, and Rhino-Rack SX Series Legs for Vortex Aero Crossbars # RRSX100 which offers a maximum weight capacity of 165lbs.

If you have the factory installed tracks that run front to back I recommend the Yakima Roof Rack System that uses 60" Yakima JetStream Crossbars # Y00426, SkyLine Towers for Yakima Crossbars # Y53TR, and Landing Pad 1 for Yakima Control Towers # Y00221. This system also offers a weight capacity of 165lbs and can be secured to your vehicles roof using Yakima Same Key System Lock Cores # Y07204.

If your vehicle has a bare roof the only option is the SeaSucker Monkey Bars Roof Rack # 298-SX6000B which would likely not be compatible with a roof top tent.

The Yakima SkyRise HD Tent for Roof Rack Crossbars # Y07437 we offer requires a minimum crossbar weight capacity of 165lbs, so as long as the tent you have has the same requirements either the Rhino-Rack or Yakima option would be a great choice.

I included videos to all of the products mentioned for you to take a look at, and if you are not sure which roof style you have just email me a picture of your roof and I would be happy to confirm the roof style.