Thule roof platform

[MJWUK]

Hi All,

I’m likely to be picking up my new Grenadier this week (moving from a second new shape Defender). I have Thule bike carriers and want a compatible rack. I have seen this https://www.thule.com/en-gb/roof-rack/roof-platforms/thule-caprock-xxl-_-611006?fitassistant=make:INEOS|Ineos,model:Grenadier+5-dr+SUV|Grenadier%205-dr%20SUV,year:2022-|2022-,variation:roof-type-617954|Rain%20gutters,roofracks:0|no-value . It seems compatible, but also wanted to check it would be suitable for a large roof tent for 2 adults and 3 kids. It states max load is 150 kgs. Thanks.

 

[Docmenace]

I have the thule rapid gutter mounts with the pro evo bars.. Got them for a Pull down Kayak rack I have as they are the only ones that really do what I needed. They are gutter mounted and to be honest I'm not sure I'd be comfortable with a lot of weight on them. My kayak is a tandem and it's pretty big... about 80lbs and it's fine at that weight but I've never put anything heavier on them . 150kg is probably as much as I'd be comfortable with.

 

[OkGo]

Congratulations on the new G!

I always recommend using roof bars and not racks for a roof tent.

2 adults and 3 ( little'ish ) kids = a 2.2m rtt , you are not going to have a lot of space left on the roof for much else. What sort of numbers are you working with ?

You could get a 1.8m rtt with an annex and maybe get a couple of people onto cots, make it a town house with an upstairs and downstairs. Which may give you a bit more space on the top.

Also keep in mind if you are doing this long term and intend to get off the beaten path, there are more rugged options than Thule. Imho.

 

[MJWUK]

Congratulations on the new G!

I always recommend using roof bars and not racks for a roof tent.

2 adults and 3 ( little'ish ) kids = a 2.2m rtt , you are not going to have a lot of space left on the roof for much else. What sort of numbers are you working with ?

You could get a 1.8m rtt with an annex and maybe get a couple of people onto cots, make it a town house with an upstairs and downstairs. Which may give you a bit more space on the top.

Also keep in mind if you are doing this long term and intend to get off the beaten path, there are more rugged options than Thule. Imho.

This is very useful advice, thanks. Happy to go with roof bars as long as they work with the bike racks. We would be two adults and 3 kids (currently twin 8 year olds and one nearly 4 year old). I like the idea of the annex. If we decide to go with a roof tent, I’d want to be able to take it on and off the car fairly easily. Do you have any recommendations on roof bars and tents? Thanks again and nice dog btw!

 

[OkGo]

Roof Tents are heavy - you will want to think about the take-off / put-on a few times. If you have access to a US style Garage or a high roof unit, the easiest and the best way to do the move on/move off is to put a set of hooks in the roof, and use a winch to just hoist it off in place, and drop it down. If thats not an option, consider that it will take 3 grown men to get it on and off for storage! attach is usually only 8 ( or maybe 12 ) bolts, and a battery powered spanner will make zero work of that.

Do you have a link to the bike racks in question ? I would expect they only have 2 or maybe 3 mounting points to the roof structure, and you could just position the roof bar's to fit. For the tent, they typically look at the roof bars and drill holes in the base to match, so should not be a challenge.

completely sideways to the actual context : dont give up on the ground tent. A bell tent will pack up quite nice, only has one pole and you dont need to descend the Eiffel tower on the way to the loo at night. They also have the added benefit of being left as-is if you need to drive away for a bit ( eg. green lane or a emergency beer restock ). Flip side, with a roof tent, if you get the right sorts, you can leave the bedding inside, and is easier to level and can be - in the winter months, warmer to sleep in. Both ground and roof tents are a nightmare with high winds though.

lots to research, i recommend taking a bit of time over it. Get out as well, see as many setup's as you can before making the call. Back in the day when I was starting out Howling Moon was the goto default - I had the 1.6m wide with a canvas annex, we enjoyed that kit for best part of 150k+ miles. Today there are many more, different, some better, some not so much, options. I am sure a few others will pitch in with their recommended vendors, options etc.

w.r.t RoofBar's - lookat Rhino Rack stuff, its what most OEM's use as well, and they are tested, verified to the sort of standards you would want. Might want to get 2 pairs.

Depending on where you are located, it might be good to get around visit some shows and dealers etc to see whats on offer, price points, quality of material etc. there is no limit to how much you can spend, options to spend it all on