The Hilux, Ranger and Amarok are Australia's favourite touring utes - and all three make an outstanding base for a rooftop tent. The question isn't whether a rooftop tent fits; it's where to mount it. You've got three options: over the cab, over the tub, or on a canopy. Each has real pros and cons.
Option 1: Over the cab
Mounting on the cab roof keeps your tub completely free for gear, fridges and drawers. The trade-offs: cab roofs on dual cabs are relatively short (roughly 1,250 mm of usable length on a typical dual cab), and factory roof load ratings are modest - the Hilux, Ranger and Amarok sit in the 75-100 kg dynamic range depending on model and rack. The Roof Space 2, at just 66.6 kg, is one of the few hard-shell tents light enough to make cab mounting genuinely workable. Always confirm your specific vehicle's rating - see our fitment tables for Toyota, Ford and Volkswagen.
Option 2: Over the tub (our pick for dual cabs)
A load-rated tub rack or platform over the tray is the sweet spot for most dual cab owners. There's far more usable length back there - around 1,650 mm on a typical dual cab tub - and quality tub racks carry significantly higher dynamic load ratings than the cab roof. The tent sits lower, which improves handling and makes the ladder easier to climb, and you keep the cab roof free for solar panels or crossbar accessories. The Roof Space 2 on a tub rack is, in our view, the perfect Hilux or Ranger touring setup.
Option 3: On a canopy
If you run a canopy, most quality aluminium canopies are rated to carry a rooftop tent - many are engineered specifically for it. You get the security of enclosed storage below and a large, flat mounting platform above. Just check the canopy manufacturer's dynamic and static load ratings before you commit.
Which rack do you need?
Whichever position you choose, the tent needs to sit on load-rated bars or a platform - never directly on the roof skin or tub rails. If you're weighing up crossbars versus a full platform, read our guide: 2-Bar Racks vs Platform Racks. And before comparing numbers, make sure you understand the difference between dynamic and static load ratings - it's the single most misunderstood spec in rooftop tent shopping.
The short answer
For Hilux, Ranger and Amarok dual cabs: mount a Roof Space 2 on a load-rated tub rack or canopy for the best blend of space, stability and easy access. Setup takes about 60 seconds, and you're sleeping on a queen-size premium mattress with marine-grade, waterproof fabric overhead - built for tough Australian conditions.
Ready to see one in person? Find your nearest dealer and book a demo.
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