1st Gen Mounting rooftop tent to canopy

Hello I'm looking for some advice on anyone who's mounted a rooftop tent to a canopy on their first Gen Tacoma.

Currently have it mounted on a bed rack but buying a canopy next weekend.

The canopy has an older yakima rack with rounder crossbars and only 1 installed. I'll need to install the 2nd rack.

Will the rack/mounting area on the canopy be strong enough for my 2 person tent? I don't know the model of the rack to check the load rating.

Also will there be an issue trying to mount the tent on these rounder cross bars vs my current flat rectangular bed rack. Will it be secure enough?

Any info is appreciated.

Thanks!

 

I would first try and figure out the exact make and model of the shell. If the owner doesn't know you can start with the manufacturers logo on the side and look through pictures to figure out which you have. Maybe a shell dealer could help you out with that as well.

People are pretty torn on whether its a good idea. A few have done it without issue, but its a lot of weight moving around on the fiberglass shell.

The best way to do it seems to be with either an external or internal frame to support the weight.
I've been trying to find an over-the-shell ladder rack to use,
theres also an off the shelf universal internal support: https://www.loaded4x4.store/products/milford-loadmax-universal-roof-rack-support-system
or a custom fab internal support.
Pages 1 and 2 of this thread have some examples of internal or external supports.
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/over-canopy-modular-bed-rack-intrest.483934/page-2

You will also start to run into issues with the bedsides flexing, and should buy the bed reinforcement kit.

 

Yakima Q towers are usually good for 200lbs of static weight, but I doubt the canopy roof is made for that much.

 

Is it pretty easy to install the rack through the canopy roof?

 

You can get tracks and load bars from a few places. Front Runner has them at a decent price, I have a tray of theirs on mine. The tracks are the same whether you get bars or a tray, and they're straightforward to install, just measure (twice) and drill holes, bolt them in and mount up the feet and bars.
Like @Speedytech7 said, the weight is the issue. I wouldn't put a tent on mine personally. It's a stock canopy from ARE. Furthest I've gone is to stand on mine to take photos with a tripod, but I didn't even like doing that. If I were going to be doing an RTT I'd want a reinforced or heavier duty canopy. Just my 2¢.
I can get some photos of how mine is mounted if you want.
Also, like @time623 mentioned, bedside spread is definitely a thing. I have a set of reinforcements I'm overdue to install, my left side is wider than the right.