Pop up campers are pretty popular but they are not as spacious as traditional RVs, and they may not have enough storage space that you need for your trip. Looking for a way to add more? A pop-up camper roof rack may be just what you need!
In this article, we cover it all when it comes to choosing the best pop up camper roof rack from weight capacity and compatibility to durability and ease of use. In addition to a pop-up camper roof rack DIY guide.
In short: The Best pop up camper roof rack is the SportRack Camp Trailer Rack System in our opinion, however, there are more options worth considering.
How To Buy The Best Pop Up Camper Roof Rack?
When it comes to choosing the best pop up camper roof rack for you, there are several factors that you should consider to get the best option and at the same time to get the best bang for your buck. Some of them as follows:
- Weight capacity: The first and most important factor to consider is the weight capacity of the roof rack. It’s essential to choose a roof rack that can safely hold the weight of the items you plan to carry. Overloading the roof rack can lead to damage to the rack and the pop up camper, as well as accidents on the road.
- Compatibility: The roof rack you choose should be compatible with both your pop up camper and your vehicle. It’s also important to ensure that the roof rack fits securely and does not interfere with the functioning of the pop-up camper or the vehicle.
- Durability and materials: Another important factor to consider is the durability and materials used in the construction of the roof rack. Look for roof racks that are made of sturdy and high-quality materials, such as aluminum or steel, to ensure that they can withstand the elements and the weight of your items. Consider the type of terrain and conditions you will be using the roof rack in, and choose a rack that is built to handle them.
- Ease of installation and removal: A roof rack that is easy to install and remove can save you time and hassle, especially if you plan to use it frequently. Look for roof racks that come with clear instructions and all the necessary hardware, and that can be easily attached and detached from the vehicle. For more info regarding adding a roof rack to pop up camper check our installation guide of a roof rack on pop up camper.
- Price: Finally, consider your budget when choosing a pop up camper roof rack. There are many different options available at various price points, so it’s important to determine how much you are willing to spend and look for a roof rack that fits your budget. Keep in mind that a higher price does not always equate to better quality, and it’s important to balance price with the other factors listed above to find the best value for your money.
After taking these factors into account, you can find a pop up camper roof rack that meets your needs and budget, and that will help you make the most of your pop-up camper adventures.
What Are The Best Roof Rack For Pop Up Campers?
There are many different pop up camper roof rack options available on the market, and it can be overwhelming to choose the best one for your specific needs. Here are the 5 best pop-up camper roof rack options on the market in 2023:
SportRack Camp Trailer Rack System
The SportRack Pop Up Camper Roof Rack cross bars are a versatile and easy-to-install solution for transporting additional cargo on your camping trips.
The rack features two square steel crossbars that can support a range of items, such as bike racks, ski carriers, kayaks, and more, up to a total weight capacity of 200 lbs. The pop up camper cross bars are coated in black plastic for a sleek look and have a rust-resistant and UV-resistant finish to ensure long-lasting durability.
The adjustable length of the crossbars allows for a semi-custom fit to your camper’s roof, with three different notches at 80 inches, 83 inches, or 86 inches to choose from. Simply slide the supplied bolts into the pre-cut holes on the bars and tighten them down with the included Allen wrench to fix the bars at the desired length.
To install the SportRack Pop Up Camper cross bars, you will need to permanently bolt the four roof-rack feet to the roof of your camper. The feet can be slid along the crossbars to fit the width of your trailer, and are then secured to the crossbars with the Allen wrench.
Before placing the rack on your camper’s roof, be sure to position the provided padding beneath the roof rack feet to help prevent scratches and abrasions. Once you have chosen the desired location for the rack, use a 1/8-inch drill bit to drill holes into the roof and then bolt the crossbars onto the roof to secure the rack in place.
In summary, the SportRack Pop-Up Camper Roof Rack is a heavy-duty and adjustable roof rack system that is easy to install on most pop up campers. and is also backed by a 1-year warranty.
For the exact up-to-date price and specs for the SportRack pop-up camper roof rack click below:
Here is an installation guide video from one of the owners.
Rhino-Rack Heavy-Duty Roof Rack
The Rhino-Rack Heavy-Duty Roof Rack is a versatile and durable solution for carrying gear on your camper shell, hard tonneau, or hardtop resin roof without a headliner.
It features an adjustable, track-mounted design that allows you to customize the placement of the pop up camper cross bars to fit your specific needs. The tracks are made of stainless steel with an anti-corrosion coating, and they mount to the roof of your pop-up camper with T-bolts (some drilling required).
The tracks have dual C-channels that provide adjustable mounting points for the roof rack legs, which are made of durable, glass-reinforced nylon and feature a quick-release trigger system for easy, tool-free installation.
The legs have pivoting bases that offer 33 degrees of adjustment to help level the pop up camper roof rack cross bars, and precision-molded inserts cover the bases when the legs are removed.
The crossbars are made of lightweight, structural-grade, extruded aluminum for maximum carrying capability and durability.
Overall, the Rhino-Rack Heavy-Duty Roof Rack is a reliable and easy-to-use pop up camper roof rack option for carrying a variety of gear on your camper shell or a hardtop resin roof. It has a weight capacity of 220 lbs and is backed by a limited lifetime warranty.
The track length is 63″ per side, and the crossbar dimensions are 54″ long x 1-5/8″ wide x 1-7/8″ tall. The leg height is 3″. Whether you need to transport ladder racks, conduit cases, or other work accessories, the Rhino-Rack Heavy-Duty Roof Rack has you covered.
For the exact up-to-date price and specs for the Rhino-Rack Heavy-Duty pop up camper roof rack click below:
HandiRack Universal Inflatable Soft Roof Rack Bars
The HandiRack Universal Inflatable Soft Roof Rack is a portable and versatile roof rack designed for use on a variety of vehicles and campers. It features inflatable air bars that cushion and protect your load while also providing a strong and durable structure.
The HandiRack has a load capacity of 175lbs, it is suitable for carrying a variety of gear and luggage, including kayaks, canoes, surfboards, stand-up paddleboards (SUPs), and more. It is made of heavy-duty 400D nylon material and is designed to have low drag and noise while in use.
The HandiRack is easy to install and requires no tools. It is secured to the vehicle by a pass-through fitting strap that fastens with a heavy-duty cam buckle. It is suitable for use on a variety of vehicles, including compact, sedan, MPV, SUV, crossover, 4×4, and even RVs.
However, it is not suitable for vehicles with soft tops or curtain airbags, and it should not be left on the vehicle when not in use.
The HandiRack kit includes two twin tubes with 5 D ring metal anchor points, two 9.8ft tiedown HandiStraps, two 11ft bow and stern lines, a high-volume HandiPump for inflating each bladder, a user manual, and a drawstring travel bag.
It has been tested on many brands of vehicles, including Audi, BMW, Chevrolet, and several others. If you are unsure about the compatibility of your vehicle with the HandiRack, you can contact the manufacturer’s customer support team for assistance.
The HandiRack is considered to be a budget-friendly safe pop up camper roof rack cross bars option that is worth checking.
For the exact up-to-date price and specs for the HandiRack Universal Inflatable Soft pop up camper roof rack click below:
Swagman Roamer LT Roof Rack for Pop Up Campers
The Swagman Roamer LT Roof Rack for pop-up campers is a practical and budget-friendly solution for transporting bikes, kayaks, and other cargo on your camper, truck cap, or hard tonneau cover.
The fixed-mount rack features two square steel crossbars that can be cut to fit your specific needs and are compatible with most clamp-on carriers and accessories.
The rack is made of durable steel with a black powder coat finish that resists rust, corrosion, and fading. It is designed for permanent mounting, with four roof rack feet that bolt on with included hardware (drilling required).
The rack also comes with protective rubber pads for mounting on a pop up camper and metal backing plates for mounting on a camper shell or hard tonneau cover.
The Swagman Roamer LT Roof Rack has a weight capacity of 150 lbs and comes with a limited lifetime warranty. Please note that the Swagman Roamer LT Roof Rack is not designed for use with plastic, 1-piece trailer tops.
For the exact up-to-date price and specs for the Swagman Roamer LT pop up camper roof rack click below:
Pop Up Camper Roof Rack DIY
Another viable budget-friendly option is to build your own DIY pop up camper roof rack. However, it is important to consider the weight of the items you plan to carry and ensure that the rack is properly secured to the camper.
Here are some general easy steps on how to build a DIY pop up camper roof rack:
- Measure the width and length of the camper’s roof to determine the size of the rack you will need.
- Cut pieces of wood or metal to the desired size for the rack. If using wood, make sure it is strong enough to support the weight of the items you plan to carry.
- Attach the pieces of wood or metal together using screws, bolts, or welding to form the frame of the rack.
- Secure the rack to the camper’s roof using strong brackets or straps. Make sure the brackets or straps are attached to the camper’s frame, not just the roof, to provide adequate support.
- Add crossbars or additional supports to the frame to provide additional support and stability for the items you plan to carry.
- Test the rack by placing a load on it and making sure it is secure.
By following the easy previous steps you can save yourself a good amount of money, and still end up with a conventional functional pop up camper roof rack system, that satisfies your needs for extra storage.
Conclusion: What Is The Best Pop Up Camper Roof Rack?
In conclusion, a pop-up camper roof rack is an essential accessory for those who want to expand their pop up camper’s storage and adventure capabilities.
There are many different roof rack options available that we went through in our article, and it’s important to consider factors such as weight capacity, compatibility, durability, ease of installation, and price when choosing the best one for your needs.
Moreover, in our opinion, the best Best Pop Up Camper Roof Rack is the SportRack Camp Trailer Rack System due to its ease of use and simplicity.
One quick extra note, make sure that you read product descriptions and follow the manufacturer’s recommendations and guidelines for installation and use to ensure the safety and longevity of your roof rack.
Additionally, we advise taking all the proper precautions when installing or modifying any certain type of equipment, remember safety comes first!
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