By Miles SinclairUpdated November 2026
Choosing rooftop tent mounting brackets comes down to one question: will the brackets hold your tent securely on your specific roof rack without damaging either one? This guide compares three bracket and mounting-kit options that owners commonly use with crossbar-style racks. We judged each one on the hardware it includes, the crossbar fit it is designed for, how much assembly it requires, and how well its material suits a roof load. We did not test these products ourselves; the comparison reflects manufacturer listings and common owner feedback.
Best overall: Roof Top Tent Mounting Clamp, 4 Pack – View on Amazon
Best for complete hardware kits: Rooftop Tent Mounting Kit with Flat Mending Plates – View on Amazon
Best for heavy-duty steel builds: Mortise & Tenon Steel Plate Assembly Truss Brackets – View on Amazon
Our Top Picks
Quick Comparison
| Product | Best for | Key feature |
|---|---|---|
| Roof Top Tent Mounting Clamp, 4 Pack, 3-1/4″ x 1″ | Crossbar racks needing a simple clamp setup | Four mending plates with eight screws, eight nuts and eight aluminum blocks |
| Rooftop Tent Mounting Kit with Flat Mending Plates | Owners who want every fastener in one box | Four 5.3 x 1 inch flat mending plates plus a 13mm hardware sleeve and T sliders |
| Mortise & Tenon Steel Plate Assembly, 22 Pack, 4mm Thick | Heavy-duty mounting on steel frames | 4mm steel truss brackets in a 22-piece set |
Roof Top Tent Mounting Clamp, 4 Pack, 3-1/4″ x 1″
Roof brackets & roof top tent accessory kit; 4 mending plates, 8 screws, 8 nuts, 8 aluminum blocks; crossbar fit. Roof Top Tent Mounting Clamp, 4 Pack, 3-1/4" x 1"
Best for: Crossbar racks that need a straightforward clamp-style setup
This kit suits owners with a standard crossbar roof rack who want to mount a rooftop tent using clamps and plates rather than a welded or bolted frame. It is a practical pick for a first-time install where the hardware count matters.
Key specs
- Four pack of roof brackets and mending plates
- Includes eight screws, eight nuts and eight aluminum blocks
- Listed clamp dimensions of 3-1/4″ x 1″
- Designed for crossbar fit
Pros
- Complete fastener count in one pack
- Aluminum blocks help distribute clamping force
- Simple layout for a two-person install
Cons
- Fit depends on your crossbar profile, so measure before ordering
- Owners often report that the clamp gap needs checking against the rack width
Bottom line: A good first choice for owners with a crossbar rack who want a clamp system with everything included.
Rooftop Tent Mounting Kit Including 4 5.3 x 1 Inch Flat Mending Plates 8 Screws, Nuts and Aluminum Blocks and 1 Sleeve 13mm Rooftop Tent Mounting Hardware Set
Rooftop Tent Mounting Kit Including 4 5.3 x 1 Inch Flat Mending Plates 8 Screws, Nuts and Aluminum Blocks and 1 Sleeve 13mm Rooftop Tent Mounting Hardware Set, Aluminum Brackets Kit With T Sliders
Best for: Owners who want a complete hardware kit in a single purchase
This set suits anyone who would rather not source plates, sliders and fasteners separately. Its T sliders and 13mm hardware sleeve are useful when you need to adjust the tent position along the rails.
Key specs
- Four flat mending plates, each listed at 5.3 x 1 inches
- Eight screws, nuts and aluminum blocks
- One sleeve of 13mm mounting hardware
- T sliders for position adjustment
Pros
- Covers plates, sliders and hardware in one kit
- Flat plates give a low-profile mounting footprint
- Sliders make fore-and-aft positioning easier
Cons
- Owners often report that some hardware needs a torque check after the first trip
- Listing does not make the rack compatibility fully clear, so confirm before buying
Bottom line: The best fit for owners who want one box with every fastener and slider they need.
Mortise & Tenon Steel Plate Assembly, DIY-Friendly Truss Brackets, 22 Pack, 4mm Thick
Mortise & Tenon Steel Plate Assembly, DIY-Friendly Truss Brackets, Convert into Homes & Offices Shipping Container Roof Brackets for 20 FT Roof Kit, 22 Pack, 4mm Thick
Best for: Heavy-duty steel mounting where a thicker plate is the priority
This 22-piece set is built around 4mm steel plates and mortise-and-tenon style truss brackets. It is better suited to builders comfortable with fabrication or DIY structural work than to owners wanting a plug-and-play rack.
Key specs
- 22-piece pack
- 4mm thick steel plates
- Mortise and tenon truss bracket design
Pros
- Thicker steel suits demanding load paths
- Large piece count for multi-point mounting
- Design is adaptable for custom frames
Cons
- Listing is oriented toward building and roof structures, so fit to a standard car rack needs careful checking
- Heavier than clamp-style kits, which adds weight to the roof
Bottom line: Pick this set if you are building a custom steel mount and need thick plate, not a quick clamp install.
Buying Guide
Rack Compatibility and Crossbar Fit
Measure your crossbar width and profile before you buy. Clamp-style brackets depend on how far the jaws open and how the rail is shaped. Many mismatches happen because owners assume a generic clamp will grip a square or aerodynamic bar equally well.
Good picks for this: Roof Top Tent Mounting Clamp, 4 Pack; Rooftop Tent Mounting Kit with Flat Mending Plates
Included Hardware Count
Count the screws, nuts, plates and blocks in the listing and compare them against your installation plan. A kit with eight fasteners per side is simpler to finish in one session than a set you must supplement. Keep a spare fastener or two on hand for trail repairs.
Good picks for this: Rooftop Tent Mounting Kit with Flat Mending Plates; Roof Top Tent Mounting Clamp, 4 Pack
Plate Thickness and Material
Plate thickness affects how the bracket flexes under dynamic loads on washboard roads. Steel plates in the 4mm range resist bending better than thin stamped parts, while aluminum blocks help spread clamp pressure across the rail. Match the material to the weight of your tent and the roughness of your routes.
Good picks for this: Mortise & Tenon Steel Plate Assembly; Roof Top Tent Mounting Clamp, 4 Pack
Load Rating and Tent Weight
Check your rooftop tent’s dry weight and your rack’s dynamic load rating, then confirm the bracket set is designed for that combined load. Manufacturers usually publish these figures separately, so do not assume a bracket rating covers your roof rack limit. A licensed installer or the rack maker can confirm the numbers.
Good picks for this: Mortise & Tenon Steel Plate Assembly; Rooftop Tent Mounting Kit with Flat Mending Plates
Mounting Position and Adjustment
Sliders and adjustable mounts let you center the tent over the rack and make small fore-and-aft changes. Fixed brackets are simpler but leave you with less room to correct alignment. Plan your tent position with a tape measure and mark the rack before drilling or tightening anything.
Good picks for this: Rooftop Tent Mounting Kit with Flat Mending Plates
Installation Effort and Tools
Some kits need drilling, others only need a socket set. Confirm the tools you need before you start. Tighten fasteners to the torque the manufacturer specifies, and recheck them after the first 50 to 100 miles of driving, since vibration can loosen hardware.
Good picks for this: Roof Top Tent Mounting Clamp, 4 Pack; Mortise & Tenon Steel Plate Assembly
Care, Inspection and Corrosion
Inspect plates, bolts and blocks for rust, cracks and loose threads every time you pack up. Aluminum and steel react differently to road salt and moisture, so wash the rack after wet or salted-road trips and apply a corrosion-resistant coating where the manufacturer allows it.
Good picks for this: Rooftop Tent Mounting Kit with Flat Mending Plates; Mortise & Tenon Steel Plate Assembly
FAQ
Do rooftop tent mounting brackets work on any roof rack?
No. Most clamp-style brackets are designed for crossbars of a specific profile and width. Measure your rack before ordering, and check that the listing names your crossbar type.
Can I install rooftop tent brackets myself?
Many owners do, using a socket set and a torque wrench. If you are unsure about load ratings or your rack’s limits, consult a professional installer or the rack manufacturer before driving.
How often should I check the mounting hardware?
Check after the first short drive, then at regular intervals such as every fuel stop on long trips. Vibration from rough roads can loosen nuts and screws over time.
Are steel or aluminum brackets better?
Steel is generally stiffer and resists bending better under heavy loads. Aluminum is lighter and resists corrosion well. The right choice depends on your tent weight, roof load limit and how much weight you want on the roof.
Do I need to drill into my roof rack?
Some kits require drilling, while others use clamps and existing rack features. Check the listing and your rack’s manual before drilling, since drilling can affect the rack’s structural rating.
What torque should I use on the mounting bolts?
Use the torque value specified by the bracket or rack manufacturer. Guessing can lead to overtightening, which can crack plates, or undertightening, which allows movement. If no value is listed, ask the manufacturer directly.
Conclusion
For most crossbar owners, the Roof Top Tent Mounting Clamp, 4 Pack is the most straightforward starting point, since its included fasteners cover a complete install. If you want every plate, slider and sleeve in one box, the Rooftop Tent Mounting Kit with Flat Mending Plates fits that need. For a heavy-duty steel build, the Mortise & Tenon Steel Plate Assembly suits owners comfortable with custom fabrication. In every case, confirm rack compatibility and load ratings before you mount a tent, and read our related guides such as Thule Rooftop Tent Subaru: How to Choose and Mount One Safely (2026) and Rooftop Tent Quick Release Mounts: How They Work and How to Choose (2026) for more mounting context.
Sources
- Vehicle safety guidance on roof loads, cargo securement and rack use (nhtsa.gov)
- Consumer product safety information on mounting hardware and recalls (cpsc.gov)
- Industry standards and engineering references for vehicle attachment hardware
Related reading
- Yakima SkyRise Rooftop Tent: 7 Best Alternatives Compared (2026)
- Wildfinder Rooftop Tent Accessories: 3 Best Picks Compared (2026)
- Top 7 Rooftop Tents for Trailer Options for Every Camper
About Miles Sinclair
Miles Sinclair is part of our editorial team and reviews and edits our off-road trails & overlanding guides, checking product details against manufacturer specifications and owner feedback.
