Roof Rack For 2017 Mazda CX-5 w/ Bare Roof For Ikamper Skycamp Mini Roof Top Tent

Question:

I have a Mazda CX 5 2017 with a naked roof w/ a moonroof. I want to mount a Ikamper Skycamp Mini Roof Top Tent. One option is to install Mazda factory rails and use a Thule set up. I have read complaints about the factory rails not allowing much distance between the bars. Another option is to mount roof rack bars directly to the mounting points but that would make the distance between bars 42.5 inch center to center. I want a set up that is well balanced and quiet that doesn't interfere with opening the back hatch. After spending way too much money on a tent I would appreciate your advice on a good set up. My roof load capacity is 165 lbs. Skycamp Mini is 123 lbs Measures front to back 57.1 inch x across 54.3 inch x Height 12.5 inches. Minimum distance required between bars is 22 inch Mounting Brackets compatible with a maximum crossbar height of 1.2 inch and a width of 3.5 inch What rack set up do you reccomend? And should I get factory rails or is there a better option? Thank you!

asked by: Jax

Expert Reply:

We can help you out here with a roof rack for your 2017 Mazda CX-5 with a bare roof so you can safely mount your Ikamper Skycamp Mini Roof Top Tent. You don't have to add Mazda's roof rails, you can attach a roof rack to your CX-5's roof, even with the moonroof.

The only thing you won't be able to have is a roof rack that - when your tent is installed - won't interfere with the back hatch opening fully. Based on the measurements you offered, the tent is too large to be able to fully open the hatch, and this is true no matter what rack you have. But for the rack itself, since you value quiet, stability, and strength, the best option for your '17 CX-5 is from Thule, which you can add with the following parts:

- Thule WingBar Evo Crossbars - Silver # TH711400 or Black # TH711420

- Evo Clamp Feet for Thule Crossbars - Naked Roofs # TH710501

- Fit Kit for Thule Evo Clamp Roof Rack Feet # TH145079

- Thule One-Key System Lock Cylinders # TH450400 (Optional)

When installed on your Mazda, the crossbars will have a spread of 27-1/2", which exceeds the 22" spread requirement for the Skycamp Mini. The crossbars themselves are also 3-1/8" wide x 1" tall which is also within the range your tent needs.

In regards to the noise, the WingBars are quiet because of their aerodynamic tapered shape along with their integrated WindDiffusers, which are specially designed rubber strips atop the bars that direct the air flow over them to minimize any wind noise. They are the quietest option for crossbars so when you don't have your tent installed and are driving normally, you will hear very little wind noise.

In regards to strength and stability, I also verified with Thule that this set up has a 165 lb load capacity when on your 2017 CX-5, which exceeds the weight of the rooftop tent. So the Thule option really is going to be the best roof rack for your CX-5 for to safely allow you to use your Skycamp tent.