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STARTER GUIDE <BR> Vehicle Roof Top Camping in a Rev Tent

STARTER GUIDE
Vehicle Roof Top Camping in a Rev Tent

  • By Coleman Hughes
  • |

The Rev Tent can be used for sleeping on top of ANY VEHICLE that is compatible with cross bars or a roof rack. 

While the Rev Tent is extremely versatile and a new “hybrid” tent - it is not magic. The Rev Tent needs support when used for sleeping on top of a vehicle. It can either be supported by a C6 Outdoor Rev Platform X mounted to cross bars or a roof rack, or directly to another brand’s large enough platform style roof rack. 

We supply the great camping gear, you provide the vehicle and the system (cross bars or roof rack) that our gear mounts to.  

Fastening anything to the outside of your vehicle is not for the faint hearted. With a little bit of homework, some specialized gear, and a bit of mechanical sense, anyone can safely mount a Rev Tent on top of their vehicle for sleeping. 

1.  GLOSSARY

2.  USING CROSS BARS TO SUPPORT THE REV ROOF TOP TENT

3.  USING A ROOF RACK TO SUPPORT THE REV RACK TENT 

4.  USING A ROOF RACK TO SUPPORT A REV ROOF TOP TENT

 

1. GLOSSARY
  

OEM (OE) Acronym for Original Equipment Manufacturer. This is a car accessory from the factory / original vehicle manufacturer. In the case of roof top carrying – usually refers to the source of the cross bars or roof rails.  For example, a Ford Bronco may come with Ford branded roof rails when you buy the vehicle off the lot.   

AFTERMARKET: Car accessory made by a manufacturer different than the vehicle manufacturer.  For example, Front Runner makes “aftermarket” roof racks and cross bars for Toyota SUVs and Trucks.   

ROOF RAILS: These are the supports that run front to back on the rooftop edge of vehicles.  Some are decorative, others are functional and used to hold cross bars. They are usually OEM, but also available from aftermarket brands made stronger to support cross bars and roof racks to carry heavier gear. 

RAISED RAILS sit higher and usually have an opening.


FLUSH RAILS are lower and may have indents on the side to accommodate clamping style cross bars. 

ROOF RAIL TRACK is flush with the roof has a channel for mounting accessories. 

 

CROSS BARS: Sometimes called load bars, these supports (usually 2 bars) run SIDE TO SIDE on the roof of a vehicle. They can be either OEM or aftermarket. They can be round, oval, square or rectangular and attach to either roof rails, a fixed mounting point on independent feet, legs, or towers, or on feet clipped in the door frame. 

ROOF RACK: A group of supports, usually called slats, with an outer perimeter to hold the slats together.  Roof Racks can be platform style (flat) or basket shaped with raised sides. While the basket style is classic and notably used on on stagecoaches, that particular look is losing favor to the newer platform style.

The basket style raised sides usually interfere with mounting roof top tents. The Platform style is preferred. 



BED RACK: an accessory mounting system over the bed of a pick-up truck. Can be comprised of cross bars, a roof rack or a extrusion style cage. 

 

2. USING CROSS BARS TO SUPPORT THE REV ROOF TOP TENT


WEIGHT CAPACITY
OEM cross bars are often not strong enough to carry a roof top tent. While the Rev Roof Top Tent is the lightest system available, some cross bars offered by dealers are really just for show. Please check the vehicle manufacturer recommended weight limits. In order to make an informed decision about whether or not your OEM cross bars are strong enough, look up your vehicle online in the forms and see if other people have mounted roof top tents on the OEM bars and read about their experiences. While we can advise, you will need to make the final educated decision.   
 
If using aftermarket cross bars (by brands like Yakima, Thule, Rhino, etc.), you will want to confirm the weight limitations of both the bars AND what you are mounting the bars to. Are you using aftermarket risers or feet / clamps?  Or you attaching the cross bars to OEM raised roof rails? For example, if mounting to an OEM roof rail, what is the load carrying capacity of the roof rail? You may also need an aftermarket roof rail or swap out the OEM roof rail for track. Again, it is helpful to do a quick online search and see what people have done before you with your specific vehicle and learn from their experience. Roof Top Tents are so popular, it’s likely that every make and model of car has had someone try to attach a roof top tent to it! 
 
Your roof and cross bar set up should follow these guidelines:
 
DYNAMIC RATING: At least 150 lbs / 68kgs 
 
STATIC RATING: Weight of Rev Roof Top Tent system  (76lbs / 35kgs)  + the weight of the people in the Rev Tent.    
 
NOTE: The Rev Platform X itself can hold up to 450lbs / 204kgs inside the tent.
 
** Dynamic weight rating refers to the weight the rack or bar system can hold while the vehicle is moving. Static weight rating refers to a stationary vehicle, ie when camping.
 
 
SIZE & SHAPE OF CROSS BARS
Oval, square and rectangular shaped bars can be used with the included clamping hardware as long as the dimensions are no wider than 10cm / 4” and no taller than 4cm / 1.5”.

If  you have wider or taller bars, please contact us and we can help you make a plan to mount the Rev Platform X. For example, there are aftermarket tent brackets from BillieBar, Front Runner and other rack brands that are compatible with the Rev Roof Top Tent Platform x. 

 

SPACING OF CROSS BARS
The cross bars should be positioned no closer than 24"  / 61 cm , and no wider than 40" / 102 cm. The recommended distance between the bars is 32" /

 


3. USING A ROOF RACK TO SUPPORT THE REV RACK TENT


If you go the route of sleeping in a Rev Tent on an appropriately sized Roof Rack, securing the roof rack to your vehicle is on you. Check with the roof rack manufacturer and follow their recommendations for size and mounting approach.  

ROOF RACK SIZE
To use a Rev Rack Tent (the Rev Tent bundled with a Tent to Rack mounting kit) you need a platform style roof rack at least 48” x 84”. 
SLAT SPACING
The distance between slats should be no greater than 8" /  20cm.  If the gap is larger you may notice when kneeling in the tent. Many roof rack brands allow for adding extra slats. If the spacing is wider than 8" / 20 cm you can always test the Rev Tent out on your rack, and if you need more supports for optimal comfort, add more slats as needed.
   
ROOF RACK MOUNTING

C6 Outdoor offers 3 different style mounting systems to mount the Rev tent to different brand and style Roof Racks. Just choose the included mounting kit when adding the Rev Rack Tent to your cart.

If you have a smaller roof rack, you can mount the Rev Tent for transport, but to sleep on the roof rack you will need the Rev Roof Top Tent X and mount the included Rev Platform X to the roof rack. 

 

 

4.  USING A ROOF RACK TO SUPPORT A REV ROOF TOP TENT  (Rev Tent & Rev Platform X)

 

SIZE & SHAPE OF RACK SLATS
To mount the Rev Platform X to your roof rack with the included hardware, the slats can be oval, square or rectangular shapes as long as the dimensions are no wider than 10cm / 4” and no taller than 4cm / 1.5”.

You may also be able to use existing slots or holes in your slats and bolt the Rev Platform directly to your bars. 

If rack slats are larger than dimensions listed above for the cross bars, or if the lip of the rack is raised, like on a Front Runner /Dometic Slimline II roof rack, you may need additional mounting hardware. Please refer to the manufacturer of your roof rack for the recommended way to mount a roof top tent.  

 ***We also sell compatible roof racks by Front Runner!

For answers about specific roof rack compatibility, visit our HELP DESK. 

A raised perimeter basket style roof rack may interfere. Visit the HELP DESK or check with us if you have a raised perimeter roof rack for advice. 

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What are you looking for?

  1. In order to mount the Rev Rack Tent on your rack, you will need a platform style roof rack with flat surface of at least 48” x 84” / 1220mm x 2134mm with gaps between the slats no greater than 8” /203mm.
  2. Front Runner or Yakima / Rhino Rack Option: your Rev Rack Tent ships with 6 stainless steel eye nuts and appropriate track bolts.
  3. For “other” roof rack option: your Rev Rack Tent will come with a set of 4 Rev Straps that can be used to secure the tent to a wide variety of appropriately sized platform style roof racks for transport and sleep.

If you live outside the USA and can't wait to get your Rev Tent - Contact us!! We ship internationally. We won't leave you hanging.

If you live in Europe shop locally at Moorlands.

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Before purchasing the Rev Roof Top Tent, please review these important facts:

  1. You will be adding weight to your vehicle. This will alter your gas mileage (for the worse!). When carrying a Roof Top Tent on a vehicle you may hear whistling and added noise.
  2. Bolting stuff to the outside of your vehicle is not for the faint-hearted! Make sure you read, follow step by step, and understand the installation instructions and ALL WARNINGS before traveling with a Roof Top Tent.
  3. It will take 5-10 minutes to ready the Rev Roof Top Tent for camping. It is not magic! In order to use the Rev Roof Top Tent there are 3 components that need to be set up. First: The tent poles need to be assembled. Second: The platform needs to be positioned. And lastly: The tent needs to be attached to the platform.
  4. It is recommended that you store the tent and platform off of the vehicle when not being used for camping. This will help the gas mileage and prolong the life of your Rev Roof Top Tent components. This is how the Rev Roof Top Tent was conceived. If you want to turn your vehicle in to a full-time, year-round 365 day camping machine, the Rev Roof Top Tent might not be the best solution for you.
  5. Review and understand our return policy. These products are not cheap to ship. And they are just as expensive to ship back if you don’t understand exactly what you’re getting and would like to make a return.
  6. We want you to be fully informed and 100% satisfied with your Rev Roof Top Tent. After all, you’re trusting us with your camp shelter and this is an investment for a lifetime of camping comfort and outdoor fun!

Before purchasing the Rev Platform, please review these important facts:

  1. This product is for specific use with the Rev Tent with the built-in mattress, and is not compatible with other tents or uses such as a viewing deck or photography platform.
  2. You will be adding weight to your vehicle. This will alter your gas mileage (for the worse!). When carrying any Roof Top Tent on a vehicle you may hear whistling and added noise.
  3. Bolting stuff to the outside of your vehicle is not for the faint-hearted! Make sure you read, follow step by step, and understand the installation instructions and ALL WARNINGS before traveling with a Roof Top Tent.
  4. It will take 5-10 minutes to ready the Rev Roof Top Tent for camping. It is not magic! In order to use the Rev Roof Top Tent there are 3 components that need to be set up. First: The tent poles need to be assembled. Second: The platform needs to be positioned. And lastly: The tent needs to be attached to the platform.
  5. It is recommended that you store the tent and platform off of the vehicle when not being used for camping. This will help the gas mileage and prolong the life of your Rev Roof Top Tent components. This is how the Rev Roof Top Tent was conceived. If you want to turn your vehicle in to a full-time, year-round 365 day camping machine, the Rev Roof Top Tent might not be the best solution for you.
  6. Review and understand our return policy. These products are not cheap to ship. And they are just as expensive to ship back if you don’t understand exactly what you’re getting and would like to make a return.
  7. We want you to be fully informed and 100% satisfied with your Rev Platform. After all, you’re trusting us with your camp shelter and this is an investment for a lifetime of camping comfort and outdoor fun!

Before purchasing the Rev Platform, please review these important facts:

  1. This product is for specific use with the Rev Roof Top Tent and the built-in mattress, and is not compatible with other tents or uses such as a viewing deck or photography platform.
  2. You will be adding weight to your vehicle. This will alter your gas mileage (for the worse!). When carrying any Roof Top Tent on a vehicle you may hear whistling and added noise.
  3. Bolting stuff to the outside of your vehicle is not for the faint-hearted! Make sure you read, follow step by step, and understand the installation instructions and ALL WARNINGS before traveling with a Roof Top Tent.
  4. It will take 5-10 minutes to ready the Rev Roof Top Tent for camping. It is not magic! In order to use the Rev Roof Top Tent there are 3 components that need to be set up. First: The tent poles need to be assembled. Second: The platform needs to be positioned. And lastly: The tent needs to be attached to the platform.
  5. The Rev Platform X needs to be assembled. If you can follow directions you can do this. If you have built Ikea furniture or Lego models and enjoy it, this will be a piece of cake! All necessary tools are included. Please review the assembly Instructions available in the SUPPORT TAB. 
  6. Review and understand our return policy. These products are not cheap to ship. And they are just as expensive to ship back if you don’t understand exactly what you’re getting and would like to make a return.
  7. We want you to be fully informed and 100% satisfied with your Rev Platform. After all, you’re trusting us with your camp shelter and this is an investment for a lifetime of camping comfort and outdoor fun!

Before purchasing the Rev Roof Top Tent, please review these important facts:

  1. You will be adding weight to your vehicle. This will alter your gas mileage (for the worse!) When carrying the Rev Roof Top Tent on a vehicle you may hear whistling and added noise.
  2. Bolting stuff to the outside of your vehicle is not for the weak hearted! Make sure you read, follow step by step, and understand the installation instructions and ALL WARNINGS.
  3. It will take 5-10 minutes to set up your Rev Roof Top Tent. It is not magic! In order to use the Rev Roof Top Tent there are 3 components that need to be set up at the campground. First: The tent poles need to be assembled. Second: The platform needs to be set up. And lastly: The tent needs to be attached to the platform.
  4. The Rev Platform X ships unassembled. If you can follow directions, you will have no problem building the platform. If you have built Ikea furniture or Lego models and enjoy it, this will be a piece of cake! All necessary tools are included. Please review the assembly Instructions available in the SUPPORT TAB.
  5. Review and understand our return policy. These products are not cheap to ship. And they are just as expensive to ship back if you don’t understand exactly what you’re getting and would like to make a return.
  6. We want you to be fully informed and 100% satisfied with your Rev Roof Top Tent. After all, you’re trusting us with your camp shelter and this is an investment for a lifetime of outdoor fun!

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