A vehicle's load rating refers to the maximum weight that its roof can safely handle, which includes any items you place on it like awnings, roof boxes, bicycles, solar panels and, of course, rooftop tents.

If you have a ute, you’ll usually find the tub and/or canopy have much higher load ratings than the roof so make sure to check your vehicle’s user manual or ask the manufacturer.

Before mounting a rooftop tent, you need to know three key numbers: dynamic load rating, static load rating, and roof rack/crossbar ratings. There’s one more unofficial rating to keep in mind, but we’ll cover that further down.

Dynamic Load Rating (While Driving)

This is the maximum weight your vehicle’s roof can handle while in motion. It’s the number that really matters when you’re considering a rooftop tent.

• Most vehicles have a dynamic load rating between 50kg and 100kg.

• This includes the weight of the roof rack, rooftop tent, and anything else you’re carrying up top.

• Exceeding this rating can mess with your vehicle’s handling, increase your chances of rolling your vehicle or having an accident, and even cause damage to the roof.

Example: The Toyota Land Cruiser has a dynamic load rating of around 100kg (varies between models). The Bushbuck Armourdillo® Rooftop Tent (hard shell) weighs 80-90kg, while the Bushbuck Ardvark Rooftop Tent (soft shell) weighs 44kg (without the detachable ladder). Add in roof racks (approximately 20kg, depending on make and model) and you’re getting pretty close to the dynamic limit with the Armourdillo®, but you’ve got plenty of wiggle room with the Ardvark.

Static Load Rating (When Parked)

This is the maximum weight your roof can support when stationary. Because the weight is evenly distributed while parked, the static rating is usually much higher than the dynamic rating.

• Most vehicles can handle 200kg to 400kg when stationary.

• This accounts for the weight of the tent, roof racks, and the occupants sleeping inside.

Note: Many rooftop tents, including the Bushbuck Armourdillo and Ardvark, are designed with a built-in ladder that helps distribute weight, reducing the strain on your vehicle’s roof. This means that while your tent may weigh 80kg, part of that load is supported by the ladder, increasing the overall effective static load rating. Unless you’re an advanced mathematician, it’s not possible to calculate exactly how much weight the ladder takes (will depend on many factors), but it could be up to 5% if set up correctly.

Example: A Ford Ranger’s static load rating is around 300kg, which is more than enough for either Bushbuck rooftop tent, plus two adults and extra gear. But the dynamic load rating is your most important consideration and that’s only around 75kg for a Ranger (depending on the model).

Roof Rack and Crossbar Load Ratings

Even if your vehicle can handle the weight, your roof racks or crossbars need to be up to the task too.

• Roof racks typically have their own weight limit, separate from the vehicle.

• Factory-fitted rails are often too weak for rooftop tents—aftermarket heavy-duty racks are recommended.

• Some crossbars have a dynamic rating as low as 50kg, so always check before loading up.

We recommend going with roof racks with load ratings of at least 100kg for the Armourdillo® and 75kg for the Ardvark. It’s always best to go with racks and crossbars that can handle more weight than you need to be on the safe side

Why Do Vehicle Load Ratings Seem So Low?

You might be surprised at just how low manufacturers set their vehicle load ratings, especially when the vehicles are marketed as tough, all-terrain work horses. 

We can only speculate that manufacturers are being extra cautious and conservative when it comes to setting these limits. Put it this way, if you flipped a Toyota Land Cruiser upside down, there’s every chance the roof would hold the weight of the vehicle, which is roughly 2000kg, just fine. And yet, the Land Cruiser’s static load rating is less than 300kg.

However, safety on our roads is of the utmost importance, so we always recommend adhering to the limits as set by your vehicle manufacturer—even if you reckon your vehicle can handle more weight.

If you’re planning to take your rooftop tent off-road, things change.

Most vehicle manufacturers set their load ratings for sealed roads. But when you’re bouncing around on rough terrain, the forces acting on your roof increase dramatically. That’s why many brands reduce their load rating by 30-50% for off-road use. As far as we can tell, the off-road load rating typically applies to roof racks and crossbars, but you may be able to ask your vehicle manufacturer for their recommendations.

We know this might sound a bit extreme—surely hardcore 4WD vehicles are built for hardcore off-roading, right? It really depends on how hard you’re pushing your vehicle and, at the end of the day, it’s up to you to “weigh up” the risk. 

• A vehicle with a 75kg dynamic load rating on-road might only have a 37.5kg rating off-road.

• If you’re planning river crossings, steep inclines, or corrugated tracks, go for a lighter rooftop tent like the Bushbuck Ardvark.

Legal Considerations in New Zealand and Australia

New Zealand

• NZTA doesn’t specify an exact fine for exceeding roof load ratings, but overloading can result in a failed Warrant of Fitness (WoF) and liability in an accident.

• Police and compliance officers can issue fines if your load is deemed unsafe.

Australia

Australia takes roof load limits seriously and you can face serious penalties for overloading.

• Fines for exceeding vehicle load limits vary from state to state, but can be in excess of $1000 along with penalty (demerit) points for each offence. 

• Transport authorities have cracked down on overloaded 4WDs, especially those with rooftop tents, awnings, and extra gear.

• Most insurance companies won’t cover damages if your vehicle is overloaded.

Not sure if your setup is good to go? Follow this checklist:

• Check your owner’s manual for your vehicle’s dynamic and static load rating.

• Look up your roof rack’s load rating—not all racks are rated for rooftop tents.

• Factor in everything on the roof (tent, racks, ladders, gear) to stay within limits.

• Consider a lightweight tent (like the Bushbuck Ardvark) for smaller vehicles or off-road adventures.

• Stick to legal weight limits in NZ and Australia to avoid fines and safety issues.

Know Your Limits 

Load ratings might not be the most exciting part of gearing up for an adventure, but they’re an important consideration when buying a rooftop tent. Overloading your roof can throw off your handling, wreck your suspension, and even get you slapped with a hefty fine. Whether you’re tackling a gnarly off-road track or cruising to your next campsite, knowing your load limits keeps you—and everyone else on the road—safe. Adventure awaits—just make sure your rig is ready for it.

Got questions about rooftop tents? Get in touch—we’re always happy to help.