Mount RTT Mounts and Crossbars on a Truck Bed Rack

By Roofnest | Tents & Gear for Overlanders | Published: 2026-10-17

Category: How-to Guides

A step-by-step guide to mounting a rooftop tent on a truck bed rack, including crossbar spacing, RTT mount installation, and a 6 channel crossbars setup for Roofnest tents.

Quick answer

Mounting a rooftop tent on a truck bed rack starts with setting your crossbars to the tent's mounting width, then bolting the RTT mounts through the crossbars and into the tent base. Use the 6 Channel Crossbars for a clean, adjustable setup on compatible Roofnest tents, and check every bolt for tightness before loading the tent.

Set crossbar spacing to match your tent

Before you tighten anything, measure the distance between the mounting rails or holes on your rooftop tent. Most tents specify a maximum and minimum spread, so set your bed rack crossbars within that range. A wider spread adds stability, but it must still line up with the tent's base. If you are using 6 Channel Crossbars, the six T-slots in each bar give you room to slide the mounting hardware into position without drilling new holes.

Choose the right hardware for your crossbars

The 6 Channel Crossbars accept a hex-head M8 bolt in each T-slot, which means you can mount RTT brackets, gear, or accessories directly to the bar. For tents that attach to the accessory channels on aluminum Roofnest models, the crossbar towers bolt on first. On Condor 2 and Falcon 3 tents, the towers attach directly to the shell. Check your tent's manual for the bolt size and torque spec, and use the hardware supplied with your mounts rather than mixing sizes.

Position the tent and mark the mount points

With the crossbars loosely in place, set the tent on top and slide it until it is centered side to side and sits where you want it front to back. Mark the mounting holes on the crossbars with a pencil or tape. Lifting the tent off before you drill or final-tighten saves you from working upside down. If your crossbars have T-slots, you can often skip drilling and simply slide the bolts into the channel.

Step-by-step installation

Measure and set crossbar spacing: Check your tent's manual for the required mounting width, then position the crossbars on your bed rack at that distance. Tighten the crossbar towers to the rack uprights only enough to hold them in place. Checkpoint: measure diagonally between crossbars to confirm they are parallel and square.
Install RTT mounts on the crossbars: Slide hex-head M8 bolts into the T-slots of the 6 Channel Crossbars, or bolt your RTT brackets through the crossbar holes. Leave the bolts loose enough to slide the mount into alignment with the tent base. Common mistake: overtightening one bolt before all mounts are aligned, which can strip the T-slot or bind the bracket.
Lift the tent onto the rack: With two people, set the tent on the crossbars and slide it into your desired position. Line up the tent's mounting rails with the RTT mounts and insert the remaining bolts. Checkpoint: the tent should sit flat on both crossbars with no rocking.
Torque all hardware: Following your tent and mount instructions, tighten the RTT mount bolts and the crossbar tower bolts in a crisscross pattern. Use a torque wrench if you have one; otherwise tighten firmly without overdoing it. Common mistake: skipping the crossbar tower bolts after focusing on the tent mounts.
Check and re-check: Push and pull the tent in all directions to check for movement. Re-torque the bolts after the first trip and periodically thereafter, since vibration can loosen hardware. Next step: add a locking nut or threadlocker if your hardware loosens repeatedly.

Product facts

6 Channel Crossbars: The 6 Channel Crossbars have six T-slots in each crossbar that accept a hex-head M8 bolt for mounting gear. You can position RTT mounts and accessories anywhere along the bar without drilling, which makes crossbar spacing adjustments easier.
Falcon 3 EVO XL Air: The Falcon 3 EVO XL Air sleeps 2-3 people and has a clamshell design with supersized windows. Its larger footprint means you need a wider crossbar spread and a bed rack rated for the tent's weight and size.