Roof racks

Can my car carry the weight of the tent and its occupants?

Absolutely. Because there is no attachment to the roof of the vehicle. 
The roof racks are attached to the roll bars, which must be able to bear the weight of the vehicle itself. After all, in the event of an accident, the vehicle could tip over.

NaïtUp roof tents can be installed on vehicles equipped with compatible crossbars: city cars, vans, 4x4s, commercial vehicles, pick-ups, estate cars, etc.

How much weight should the roof racks be able to carry?

The necessary load capacity for roof racks is the dynamic weight. This is the weight when the car is driving. That is why the weight of the folded tent is the benchmark for choosing a roof rack.
When your vehicle is stationary and you are camping in a tent, the roof racks can carry much more weight. For the tent itself, the maximum weight is 250 kg.

There are two types of roof racks: transverse and longitudinal.

Cross roof racks
These can be installed 

  • On the side rails
  • On the mounting points (or rails) on the roof of the vehicle
  • In the gutters on the roof of your car

These roof racks should be chosen based on the model of your vehicle.

Two transverse roof racks are sufficient for mounting a NaïtUp roof tent.

Roof racks running lengthwise along the vehicle

It must be checked whether these are decorative or not. If they are decorative roof racks, it is not possible to place a roof tent on them.

If the longitudinal carriers (not decorative) are strong enough, you can mount the cross carriers with clamps, i.e. without mounting feet, as these are mounted on the longitudinal carriers.

    The various roof rack attachments

    There are different types of roof rack attachments, some of which are compatible with the installation of a roof tent.

    Which type of roof rack should I choose?

    Thanks to the patented NuFix mounting system, the Hussarde NaïtUp fits most roof racks.

    Ultra-thin or very wide (16 cm), round, square or flat, the bits adapt. However, there are still precautions you need to take before choosing your roof racks. Ideally, the shape of your bars should be as simple as possible.

    To be compatible with the roof tent:

    • Ideally, your roof racks should be at least 110 cm long.
    • The top of your bars must be at least 8.5 cm away from your roof. .
    • The distance between the two bars must be at least 70 cm and no more than 125 cm. (this time from the outside of the front bar to the outside of the rear bar).
    • The ideal distance is between 90 and 110 cm. , with the bars placed in the recess of the hull.

    Sometimes your steering system is not quite optimal, without you having to rule out the installation of a Hussarde. This is the case if your roof racks are too close to your roof (less than 8 cm), if there is a height difference between the front and rear racks, or if your roof racks are bent. These inconveniences can be easily solved with a bar plate, which we will explain to you below.

    To compensate for the curvature of your roof racks, you will need to add transfer bars. If this is not sufficient, you will need to add spacers to further compensate for the excessive curvature of your roof racks (these spacers are not sold by NaïtUp). If the curved bars are very stiff, you can safely tighten your NuFix further (max. 10 Nm).

    Applies to panoramic and open roofs : the roof rack mountings (length/width) must on the bodywork (metal part) are placed. They must not be placed on the glass roof sections, because they can damage the roof of your vehicle.

    Why choose aluminium roof racks?

    Roof racks are available in two materials: aluminium and steel. Aluminium roof racks are lighter than steel roof racks. You will also appreciate their highly aesthetic and streamlined design. The only disadvantage? These roof racks are more expensive than steel ones.

    Why choose steel roof racks?

    Would you like to equip yourself more affordably, without compromising on quality? Steel roof racks are robust and affordable and are your best allies. 

    The only differences between aluminium and steel roof racks are the price and appearance. Otherwise, the strength remains the same.

    Can my tent poles and roof support the tent and the people inside it?

    Yes, even in a small car.

    In order to install a roof tent on your vehicle, your roof racks must be able to support the weight of your folded tent.
    The minimum load capacity must be 75 kg (even if the Duö itself weighs only 60 kg).
    The length of your roof racks must also be at least 110 cm (they can be slightly shorter for the Duö).

    It is important to distinguish between the weight carried by the vehicle's roof, the roof racks and the tent:

    • The roof: there is not a confirmation on the roof of the vehicle .  The roof racks are attached to the roller brackets. that can bear the weight of the vehicle itself. What's more, the roof of your vehicle must be able to automatically support the weight of the vehicle when it is tilted. so that it does not deform in the event of an accident.
    • Roof racks: in dynamic mode (vehicle in motion) These are the supports that bear the weight of the closed tent. (minimum 75 kg).
    • The roof tent: can be used when stationary (vehicle stationary), carry the weight of the occupants, i.e. maximum 250 kg.

    How much weight should my roof racks be able to carry?

    The most important condition for installing a roof tent is that your roof racks can support the weight of the folded roof tent.

    Below you will find the weight of our tents when folded and empty:

    -Duo: 55 kg

    -TriUp: 63 kg

    -Quatrö/Family: 75 kg

    Are good quality roof racks expensive?

    Not necessarily! As long as your carriers can bear the required weight , be at least 110 cm long (for the Quatrö and Family) and have 8 cm or more space between the top of the roof racks and the roof of the vehicle (which is the case with almost all roof racks), they are suitable.

    NaïtUp has over-bars Developed with this accessory, you can solve a number of problems with bar incompatibility, such as:

    • Roof racks are too close to the roof (less than 8 cm between the top of the carrier and the bodywork). In this case, the transfer pieces ensure that the tent is raised and that the fastenings do not touch the roof and therefore do not damage it.
    • A difference in height between the front and rear beams. In this case, a single crossbar is recommended, which can be used to level the unit for a completely horizontal installation.
    • If your rods shorter than 110 cm .
    • If the distance between your bars is greater than 125 cm. If the distance is greater than 125 cm, you can use a crossbar and an anti-pinch wedge.