[Roof tent load capacity] Is it really safe to put a roof tent on a light vehicle like the Jimny, Hustler, or N-BOX? FELDON SHELTER's "Safety First" guide

Hello☀️

Thank you for always reading my blog 😎

The image is a photo of the 5-door Jimny produced by Japan Automobile College, with which we collaborated at TOKYO AUTO SALON 2022.

So, this time we would like to explain how to install roof tents on light vehicles such as the Jimny, Hustler, Taft, and N-Box, which are the most frequently asked questions at Regress.

✔️ [Roof tent load capacity] Is it really safe to put it on your car? FELDON SHELTER 's " safety first " philosophy

"Can I install a roof tent on a Jimny?"
Can it be used in a light vehicle?

We receive these inquiries every day.
When considering installing a roof tent, not just a FELDON SHELTER, many people are faced with the often-obscure issue of " load capacity . "

However, in the roof tent industry, there are many cases where tents are sold without sufficient explanation of their load capacity.
Photo by @westsupply

✅ FELDON SHELTER 's position: "Safety comes first"

At FELDON SHELTER , we provide all types of vehicles.

• Vehicle frame rigidity
• Stability during driving
• Load capacity figures specified by the automobile manufacturer

While respecting these points, our official stance as a manufacturer is that installation on vehicles with insufficient load capacity is not possible .

✔️It all comes from our desire to ensure our customers have fun and stay safe.

✅But there are still people who post .

In fact, there are cases in Japan and New Zealand where roof tents have been installed on vehicles that exceed their load capacity .

You may also see photos of products similar in shape to the FELDON SHELTER installed in light vehicles or vehicles with limited load capacity .

However, many of these products may be sold without sufficient explanation about their safety and load capacity.

✔️We would like to tell you whether or not the product can be used safely in your vehicle, rather than judging based on appearance or installation examples alone.

✅ Correct understanding of "load capacity": the difference between dynamic and static

There are two main types of load capacity .

In other words, even if something is "safe when parked," it doesn't necessarily mean it's safe when driving.
When considering a roof tent, the basic criteria to consider are dynamic load capacity .

✅ It's not just a matter of having a strong rack.

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

• If the dynamic load capacity of the vehicle body is 35 kg , that is the actual upper limit.
• The weight of the rack itself (e.g. 15 kg ) is included in the load capacity.

In this case, the maximum weight that can actually be carried is 20 kg , such as a roof tent.

✔️Do not exceed the weight your vehicle can support.

✅The impact on driving performance cannot be overlooked.

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

Particular care should be taken with the following vehicles:

• Cars with high ground clearance and a high center of gravity
• A car with a light suspension and weak resistance to heavy loads
• If you plan to ride on a route with many slopes or curves

☑️ The head becomes heavy and handling becomes unstable.
☑️ There is a possibility that braking and turning behavior may change.
☑️ Possibility of damage to the suspension or engine

✅ Be careful with older cars or cars with unknown load capacity.

Some older vehicles may not have any information about the load capacity, or may use vague terms such as " 50kg ."

Also, manufacturer documents may state this as "blank" or "unknown."

In such cases, even if there are examples of the device being installed on other vehicles , this does not constitute evidence of its safety .
Ultimately, you must make your own judgment at your own risk .

✅When choosing a rack, "load capacity" is the first priority

To install a roof tent, a rack is essential to connect the tent to the vehicle body.

When choosing, consider the following points:

• The weight of the rack plus the weight of the tent must be within the vehicle's load capacity.
• Are the rack shape and mounting method suitable for the vehicle?
• Lightweight and rigid materials (such as aluminum) are used

Will adding more crossbars increase the load capacity?

We get this question a lot, but the load capacity of the vehicle itself remains the same.

However, increasing the number of bars can help distribute the load and may make the rack more stable in actual use .

Of course, this adds to the weight of the bar itself, so always be mindful of the total weight capacity .

"Personal responsibility" is a heavy phrase. But perhaps that's the essence of the outdoors.

There's something heavy about the phrase "personal responsibility."
But think about it.

• Using a stove inside a tent poses the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning
• If you touch the top of a gasoline lantern, you may get burned.

The world of the outdoors is always accompanied by " freedom and responsibility . "
On top of that, mastering the tools is what we enjoy.

✅What would you do?

Are you willing to take risks and go on an adventure?
Or will you prioritize safety and wait a little longer?

✅We respect either choice.

With that in mind, we want to provide as much information and honest explanation as possible .
If you are unsure about your decision, please feel free to consult us.

I hope your journey is safe and enjoyable 🦖