Roof Rack For 2018 Toyota Highlander w/ Flush Mount Rails For Rooftop Tent

Question:

I have a 2018 Toyota Highlander Limited LL and need crossbars so I can mount a roof tent like the Roofnest Falcon. I like the Falcon by roofnest because it is slim. I’m open to similar products if you have a suggestion What is the maximum spread between my crossbars? The manufacturer of the tent recommended I find one with 50” spread but it appears the cross bar mounting locations on my Highlander might only be 30 inches apart. Do you have any crossbars or products to help?

asked by: Joseph K

Expert Reply:

We have a roof rack and rooftop tent for your 2018 Toyota Highlander with flush mount rails, though the crossbar spread on your Highlander is set at 27-1/2 inches. The reason for that is roof racks install at fixed mounting points on the rails, which means a tent requiring a larger spread won't work. That said, there is still a really nice option for a rack and tent for your '18 Highlander, and let's go ahead and start with the rack you'll need, which is from Yakima:

- Yakima JetStream Crossbars - Silver # Y00428 or Black # Y00425

- SkyLine Towers for Yakima Crossbars # Y53TR

- Landing Pad 16 for Yakima SkyLine and Control Towers # Y00242

You can also lock the rack with the Lock Cores # Y07204 to help protect your investment. When installed, this Yakima rack will give your Highlander a quiet, strong roof rack and will allow the use of a compatible rooftop tent. For that there is one from Yakima that will work perfectly:

- Yakima SkyRise HD Tent for Roof Rack Crossbars - 2 Person # Y07436

The SkyRise HD fits crossbar spreads between 26" and 40-1/2" which your Highlander has, and its features allow for plenty of comfort and storage. It comes with a ladder so you can easily hop in the tent, and while the tent has a waterproof coating, it also comes with a removable waterproof rainfly for added protection so you'll never get wet.

It has four interior pockets for storage, but can easily store more with the SkyLoft Hanging Storage Net # Y07424, and the tent also comes with a 2-1/2" foam mattress that you can add sheets to if you like, the BedSheets for 2 Person Yakima SkyRise Tents # Y07427.