Roof Rack Recommendation for Using a Rooftop Tent on a 2018 Chevy Suburban with Flush Rails

Question:

I am looking for a Roofrack for a 2018 Chevy Suburban that will work with a Roofnest tent. I need it to be high enough that I can get under it to install the tent. Do you have a recommendation for one that would work well? Thanks.

asked by: Adam K

Expert Reply:

Definitely! From my available specs on your 2018 Chevy Suburban, you have flush factory rails on your roof. If this is the case, I recommend the following setup:

- Rhino-Rack Vortex Aero Crossbars - Aluminum - 59" # RRVA150B-2 (black) or # RRVA150S-2 (silver)
- RCH Legs for Rhino-Rack Crossbars and Pioneer Platforms - Fixed Mounting Points # RRRCH4
- Custom RCP Fit Kit # RRRCP43-BK

With this setup, the height between the roof and the bottom of the crossbar is about 3-1/2 inches, so you have plenty of space to attach the brackets of your Roofnest tent. Also, since the roof rack attaches via the fixed mounting points on your rails, you will have a super secure roof rack setup that is ideal for a tent. In order to make sure the clamps on your tent can attach to the crossbars, I recommend making sure that your tent is compatible with crossbars that measure 3-1/8" wide x 1-3/16" tall. I went ahead and attached a video that shows this roof rack on a 2019 Suburban. The fitment on your 2018 model is nearly identical.

As far as weight capacity, the Rhino-Rack roof rack provides you with 220 pounds of maximum dynamic weight. This is the weight capacity when the vehicle is in motion. Since Rhino-Rack does not test their racks for the weight capacity of the setup while the vehicle is in the stopped position, you will use the maximum weight capacity rating of the Roofnest tent itself to calculate body weight capacity.

As with all roof rack applications, I recommend consulting with your Chevy owner's manual to make sure you abide by manufacturer's guidelines.