Article: Calculate your dynamic roof load – check in 3 steps whether a rooftop tent fits
Calculate your dynamic roof load – check in 3 steps whether a rooftop tent fits
By now you know the difference between dynamic and static roof load — but how do you quickly work out whether a rooftop tent fits yóur car? With this simple 3-step method you'll know within a minute.
Good to know: for Dutch number plates, the Dutch version of this article offers an automatic estimate by make, model and year. But the exact roof load can only be found in one place: your car's owner's manual.
The 3-step roof load check
- Look up your car's dynamic roof load. You'll find it in the owner's manual (search for “roof load”), often on the manufacturer's website too. As a guide (indicative): small hatchbacks often 50 kg, mid-size cars/estates 75 kg, large SUVs, 4x4s and vans around 100 kg.
- Add up the weight of the tent and the roof racks. Roof racks usually weigh 5–8 kg. Tent weights are in the table below.
- Compare — keeping at least 15% in reserve. Tent + racks shouldn't just stay under the dynamic roof load, but roughly 15% below it. We apply that margin deliberately: rack weights vary, and there's almost always bedding and gear left inside the tent. Sleepers don't count — they fall under the much higher static roof load when parked.
Weight table: our rooftop tents
| Model | Weight | + racks (±7 kg) | Recommended roof load (incl. 15% margin) |
|---|---|---|---|
| LCM Dune (2 pers.) | 60.5 kg | ±67.5 kg | 80 kg |
| LCM Oasis (3 pers.) | 66 kg | ±73 kg | 85 kg |
| LCM Savannah | 74 kg | ±81 kg | 95 kg |
Worked examples
A Toyota Land Cruiser with a 100 kg dynamic roof load: LCM Dune (60.5 kg) + roof racks (7 kg) = 67.5 kg. That fits with 32.5 kg to spare. ✅
A VW Tiguan with a 75 kg dynamic roof load: the same combination comes to 67.5 kg — only 7.5 kg to spare, around 10%. That's too tight for our liking: look up the exact figure in your manual and get in touch with us. ⚠️
A small hatchback with a 50 kg roof load: 67.5 kg exceeds the limit — there we honestly advise against it. ❌
Classics and oldtimers: why we don't give a number
For vehicles built before 1990 we deliberately give no estimate — our Dutch check doesn't either. Our vehicle classes are based on modern cars, and what really matters is the construction: the rain gutters and roof trims of a Beetle or an old Land Rover were designed for a couple of suitcases, not for a hardshell rooftop tent of 60 to 74 kg plus racks.
Does that mean a rooftop tent on a classic is impossible? No. With a light softshell tent and a properly mounted gutter rack you see it regularly. But that's a different product from our hardshells and it calls for a bespoke approach. Give us a call on +31 6 28075883 — we'd rather tell you honestly that something doesn't fit.
Where do I find my car's roof load?
- Owner's manual: search for “roof load” (usually under “driving with luggage”)
- Manufacturer's website: often available as a PDF per make + year
- Your dealer: one call and you have the answer
Note: with a panoramic or glass roof the roof load may be lower. Also check the maximum load of your roof racks.
Does it fit? Then we'll sort the rest
Collect the tent from us and we'll help with fitting, using stronger, better-quality bolts than the ones in the package as an extra service. Roof racks you arrange yourself — but with your result we'll tell you exactly which ones you need. Reach us via the contact page or call: +31 6 28075883.
