Roof Tent Weight Limits: What You Need to Know Before Installing One on a Kei Car Like the Jimny, Taft, Hustler, or N-Box

Hello☀️

Thank you for always reading our blog😎

The image shows a 5-door Jimny produced by the Nihon Automobile College, which we collaborated with at TOKYO AUTO SALON 2022.

With that said, this time, I'd like to guide you through the installation of rooftop tents on mini vehicles such as the Jimny, Hustler, Tanto, and N-box, which receive the most inquiries at Rigless.

✔️【Rooftop Tent Load Capacity】Is it really safe to put it on your car? FELDON SHELTER's "Safety First" Approach

"Can a rooftop tent be installed on a Jimny?"
"Can it be used on a mini vehicle?"

We receive such inquiries daily. Not limited to FELDON SHELTER, many people face the invisible topic of "load capacity" when considering a rooftop tent.

However, in the rooftop tent industry, we often see cases where products are sold without sufficient explanation regarding load capacity.

photo by @westsupply

✅FELDON SHELTER's Stance: "Safety First"

At FELDON SHELTER, regardless of the vehicle type, we have an official manufacturer's opinion that installation on vehicles with insufficient load capacity is not possible, respecting:

• Vehicle frame rigidity
• Driving stability
• Load capacity values set by automobile manufacturers

This is all because we want our customers to enjoy themselves safely.

✅However, there are people who do "load it". But...

In reality, both in Japan and New Zealand, there are cases where rooftop tents are mounted on vehicles exceeding their load capacity.

You may also see photos of products similar to FELDON SHELTER mounted on mini vehicles or vehicles with limited load capacity.

However, in many such cases, there is a possibility that they are sold without sufficient explanation regarding safety and load capacity.

✔️Instead of judging solely by appearance or examples of installation, we would like to explain whether "it can be safely used with that car."

✅Correct Understanding of "Load Capacity": The Difference Between Dynamic and Static

There are roughly two types of load capacity.

In other words, even if it's "OK when stationary," it's not necessarily safe while driving. When considering a rooftop tent, it's fundamental to consider the dynamic load capacity as the standard.

✅"If the rack is strong, it's OK" is not true

For example, even if a rack is designed to withstand 100kg...

• If the vehicle's dynamic load capacity is 35kg, that is the practical limit.
• The weight of the rack itself (e.g., 15kg) is also included in the load capacity.

In this case, you can actually load up to 20kg of rooftop tent, etc.

✔️You must not exceed the weight the vehicle can support.

✅Don't overlook the impact on driving performance

Even if the load capacity is met, installing a rooftop tent may affect driving performance.

Particular caution is required for vehicles such as:

• Tall vehicles with a high center of gravity
• Vehicles with light suspension that are susceptible to heavy loads
• If you plan to drive on routes with many hills or curves

☑️ The vehicle becomes top-heavy, and handling stability may become unstable
☑️ There is a possibility of changes in behavior during braking and turning
☑️ There is a possibility of damage to the suspension or engine

✅Be cautious with older cars or cars with unknown load capacity

For some older vehicles, there may be no mention of load capacity, or it may be expressed vaguely, such as "50kg."

Also, it may be listed as "blank" or "unknown" in the manufacturer's documents.

In such cases, even if there are examples of installation on other vehicles, it does not provide a basis for "safety."
It will ultimately require a judgment made at your own risk.

✅Choosing a rack also prioritizes "load capacity"

To install a rooftop tent, a rack that connects the car body and the tent is essential.

When choosing, check the following points:

• The self-weight of the rack + the weight of the tent must be within the vehicle's load capacity.
• The shape and mounting method of the rack must be suitable for the vehicle.
• Lightweight and rigid materials (aluminum, etc.) must be used.

❓Does adding more crossbars increase the load capacity?

We often receive this question, but the load capacity of the vehicle body itself does not change.

However, increasing the number of bars can distribute the load, and the actual feel of use may be more stable.

Of course, the weight of the bars themselves also increases, so always pay attention to the total load capacity.

✅"Self-responsibility" is a heavy phrase. But perhaps that's the essence of outdoor life.

The phrase "self-responsibility" carries a certain weight, doesn't it? But think about it.

• If you use a stove inside a tent, there's a risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
• If you touch the top of a gasoline lantern, you can get burned.

The world of the outdoors always comes with "freedom and responsibility."
And mastering our tools within that framework is what we enjoy.

✅What would you do?

Would you take the risk and embark on an adventure?
Or would you prioritize safety and hold back a little longer?

✅We respect both choices.

Above all, we want to provide as much information as possible and honest explanations.
If you're unsure, please don't hesitate to contact us.

May your journey be safe and truly enjoyable🦖