Use of Yakima JetStream Crossbars for a Rooftop Tent on My 2011 Honda Pilot

Question:

Will the jet stream bars support a rooftop tent on my 2011 Honda pilot

asked by: Cristinia

Expert Reply:

It truly depends on the roof style you have. The only Yakima JetStream system that works is if you have raised factory rails on your 2011 Honda Pilot. If you have raised rails, you can use the following setup with a tent:

- Yakima JetStream Crossbars - Aluminum - Black - 60" Long # Y00426
- TimberLine Towers # Y33TR
- Yakima Same-Key Lock Cores # Y07204

Since these crossbars attach directly to your raised rails, they are perfect for mounting a roof top tent. With this crossbar setup, you have a 165 pound total weight capacity. As long as your tent does not exceed more than 165 pounds and the tent is rated to support the combined body weight of the campers, you are good to go! It is important still to consult with your Honda's owner's manual to make sure your roof can accommodate the amount of weight you wish to carry.

If you happen to have a bare roof, Yakima does not recommend using the JetStream crossbar setup available for that roof style. This is because the towers attach via door jamb clips instead of clamping onto a rail system. With that type of roof rack, it can be dangerous to mount a roof top tent and camper weight onto those clips because of the potential for collapsing. We also do not carry any other roof racks that attach in a more secure manner.

The absolute safest route if you have a bare roof is to go with a trailer like the Yakima EasyRider # Y08129 or the EasyRider with the SkyRise HD Tent # Y08129-3727. Since the trailer is completely stable and doesn't require to be mounted to your roof, there is no worry about collapsing under the added weight. The EasyRider is perfect for your vehicle's factory 2" hitch receiver. You may need a rise/drop adapter to get the trailer level since the coupler height of the EasyRider is 16" tall. I went ahead and added a product listing that has rise/drop adapters with the required 2" hitch ball. You also need a 4-way wiring harness # 118491 if you don't have a plug installed already to activate the trailer's tail lights.

I also went ahead and attached some helpful videos for you to check out.