Can my Toyota 4Runner hold a Roof Top Tent? 2022

Calling all Toyota 4Runner roof top tent lovers!  Wondering if your Toyota 4Runner can carry a Roof Top Tent? The short answer is, yes. In order to look deeper into this question you must understand a few things such as dynamic and static load ratings.

Dynamic & Static Load Ratings

• Dynamic weight means when your 4Runner is in motion.  This rating is a lot lower than the static rating (when you’re parked) for many reasons such as center of gravity, wind drag, turning & weight transfer, among many others.  The dynamic load for a Toyota 4Runner is 165lbs.  When looking at the weight of the rooftop tent, be sure to include the weight of your bars & whatever else you may store inside of the tent.  I fly a Roofnest Sparrow on top of my Crosstrek (150 lb rating) with no issues…the Sparrow weighs in at 130lbs.  Add in the weight of my sturdy Yakima Crossbars and I’m all set.  I’d recommend getting a solid set of crossbars like the ones we use if you’re venturing into the world of rooftop tents.

• Static weight is when your vehicle is parked.  This load is a lot higher than the dynamic rating because the car is not driving, stopping, or turning which means the weight is not amplified by other factors.  I had a hard time finding an actual number, but keep in mind that 4Runner roofs are designed to handle the weight of the whole vehicle if flipped over (which is well over 1,000lbs).  A Roofnest and 2 adults weigh much less than that.

There are plenty of Toyota 4Runner’s out there rocking both the pop up and fold out style rooftop tents.  We ultimately decided on the hard shell pop up Roofnest Sparrow due to the quick and easy set up time.  Over the past 2 summers, I rented a 4runner with a hard shell Roof Top Tent on it while in Alaska.  It was a dream rig, so you may want to consider one (like a Roofnest)  for your Toyota 4Runner!  Explore our Instagram @rooftoptrekkers to see more examples.  Check out our article here on why we love the Sparrow!