Skip to Content

Can you put a Roof Top Tent on a 4Runner?

Can you put a Roof Top Tent on a 4Runner?

So, can you put a roof top tent on a 4Runner? Absolutely!

A rooftop tent will put its weight on your 4Runner’s roof rack system, not the ceiling of your vehicle.  Therefore, it is possible to enjoy a roof top tent without damaging the roof of your 4Runner.

Rooftop tents are increasingly being used especially in 5th generation 4Runners. They offer a comfortable stay with their hard shell or soft shell options, and windows that fully open and close. Rooftop tents have recently become a favorite of many vehicle users and camping enthusiasts.

With an appropriate roof rack like the Victory 4×4 V4RRK Roof Rack, you’ll be good to go with mounting just about any roof top tent.

Why Should I Set a Roof Top Tent On My 4Runner?

A rooftop tent has many benefits compared to normal tents. It is sure to be a great experience to sleep on the roof of your car underneath the stars, especially for adventure lovers.

A New Camping Experience

Rooftop tents offer a different experience, especially when compared to the classical tents set up on the ground.

Your tent can be securely set up on your 4Runner and will not be affected by bad weather conditions as much as a tent set up on the ground. No more mud, or dead leaves rolling into your tent!

Whatever the weather conditions, you can enjoy camping to the fullest, and get a great night’s sleep as you stay nice and warm, supported by your 4Runner, instead of the cold hard ground.

If you consider the height of 4Runners, it must be a pleasure to set up a tent high above the ground and watch nature from this height.

Practical Set Up

There is no need to try to tie and fix the poles together, as in traditional tents. With an easy setup, you can quickly embark on your adventure.

Simply pull out the supporting ladders, pop the poles in place, and secure the tent down the rope ties and you are all set up!

Comfort and Safety

Purchase a rooftop awning for your 4Runner for maximum comfort while you camp. Rooftop tents come with comfortable inflatable mattresses with quick self-inflation options.

In addition, unlike the traditional tents built on soil, the floors of the rooftop tents are quite flat and stay much warmer as your body heat is not lost through the floor.

A tent on your 4Runner also saves you from troubles such as stones, gravel, sand, and mud. Additionally, you stay better protected against wildlife or any nocturnal predators as you sleep.

What Kind Of Rooftop Tent Should I Buy for My 4Runner?

You are ready to embark on an exciting adventure, all you need to do is chose the right rooftop tent for you and your 4Runner!

When choosing the right rooftop tent, consider which would be most comfortable and the level of durability you require.

Hardshell rooftop tent

The hard shell rooftop tents work with a latch system and you just have to release the latches for them to open. Hardshell tents are the easiest to install on a 4Runner. It is also very easy to wash and keep clean.

gofastcampers.com

In addition, since these tents are generally made of aluminum, you will not encounter problems such as bending, breaking, or snapping the poles during windy and bad weather conditions.

Hard-shell rooftop tents are ideal for vehicles like 4Runners as they are very suitable for land and field trips in any environment as they do not touch the floor and are super easy to put up.

Finally, hard-shell tents have extra storage space. This is great for travelers with heavy loads.

Softshell rooftop tent

Softshell rooftop tents are the most common type of tent. They can also be installed on 4Runners and are much more common in the market.

thule.com

Softshell tents are just as easy to install and stand up well against bad weather but are not as robust as a hard shell tent.

Softshell tents are often preferred by families that camp regularly but not too often or do not frequent areas that experience very bad weather.

On average, softshell tents are cheaper than hardshell and are large enough for 4 people to sleep easily.

How Do I Know If A Roof Top Tent Will Fit My 4Runner?

The 4Runner has a high ceiling by design. 3rd, 4th, and 5th generation 4Runners are compatible with almost all rooftop awnings. But you may have problems with earlier generations of 4Runners, so it is best to measure up before you commit to our purchase.

As for the roof rack, any roof rack you prefer to use will be compatible. Most roof racks are standardized.

It is very important for safety that your Rooftop tent fits perfectly on your 4Runner. When choosing a tent for your 4Runner, you need to consider its weight capacity too.

Weight capacity refers to the weight that your 4Runner can carry while on the road. Whether your vehicle is strong enough to carry the tent on the roof.

Another factor is the aluminum rods for mounting the tent on your 4Runner. You should take measurements to find out if the width and length of these bars are suitable for your car.

Rooftop tents work on vehicles with crossbars, side skids, gutters, and rails, and vehicles that can handle the load, in general, can easily carry rooftop tents.

 

Is a 4Runner Ideal for a Rooftop Tent?

4Runners are ideal for rooftop tents with their high and wide roofs.

Apart from the excitement of camping high above the ground, 4Runners also allow you to watch nature from the door of your tent at a height. You get much more from the scenery when you camp on top of a 4Runner.

4th and 5th generation 4Runners are perfect for rooftop tents. With these vehicles, you can travel the mountain slopes, through rough muddy terrain to reach the remotest of places, giving you the chance to camp wherever you want.

Traditional camping methods are just fine, but you can embark on much more adventure by installing a rooftop tent on your 4Runner. Not only can you go further you will stay safer, sleeping above ground away from insects and wildlife.

 

Up Next:

Are Rooftop Tents Good For Families?

What is the Best Roof Top Tent for Toyota Tundra Owners?

Can You Put a Rooftop Tent on RAV4?

Can you put a Tent on the Roof of a Tacoma?

 

(featured image: victory4x4.com)

Share this article!