Oztent Apex Roof Racks: Load Limits and Fitting Basics

By Oztent USA | Published: 2026-10-15

Category: How-to Guides

A step-by-step guide to fitting Oztent Apex RT-C-1400 Roof Racks, understanding roof rack load limits, and mounting an awning safely for 4WD adventures.

Quick answer

The Oztent Apex RT-C-1400 Roof Racks attach to the top shell of your Apex RT-C-1400 roof top tent using a supplied fitting kit. Before you load them, check your vehicle's dynamic roof load limit and your tent's static limit, then distribute weight evenly across both bars. For awning mounting, use the T-slot channels to bolt brackets directly to the rack.

Why the Apex RT-C-1400 rack is different from a standard roof rack

These racks are designed specifically for the Apex RT-C-1400 roof top tent, not for direct mounting to your vehicle's roof rails. That means your starting point is the tent shell, and your load limit is determined by the tent's mounting points and your vehicle's roof capacity, not just the rack itself. The extruded aluminum construction with T-slot channels lets you bolt on accessories like solar panels, recovery gear, or an awning without drilling new holes. Because the racks are a 2-piece set, you get two bars to spread weight across.

What you need before you start

Gather the rack set, the supplied fitting kit, a torque wrench, and any brackets for accessories you plan to add. You will also need your vehicle's owner's manual to confirm the dynamic and static roof load limits. If you are mounting an awning, have the awning's mounting brackets and hardware ready. A second person helps when lifting the tent or aligning the racks.

Step-by-step: fitting and loading your Apex roof racks

1. Confirm your vehicle and tent load limits: Check your vehicle's owner's manual for the dynamic roof load limit (while driving) and static limit (parked). Then check the Apex RT-C-1400 tent manual for its maximum load on the shell. The lowest of these numbers is your ceiling. Common mistake: using the static limit while driving—dynamic limits are often much lower. Write your safe working load on a note and keep it in the glovebox.
2. Attach the racks to the tent shell: Position the two rack bars on the top shell of the Apex RT-C-1400 according to the fitting instructions. Use the supplied fitting kit and tighten fasteners evenly, alternating sides to avoid binding. Common mistake: over-tightening one side first, which can distort the aluminum extrusion or strip threads. Check that both bars are parallel and sit flush before final torque.
3. Torque fasteners to spec: Use a torque wrench set to the value in the fitting instructions. If no value is supplied, tighten snugly and check after the first drive. Common mistake: guessing torque by feel—too loose and the rack shifts, too tight and you risk damage. Re-check torque after 100 miles of driving and before each trip.
4. Mount your accessories using the T-slot channels: For an awning, solar panel, or recovery gear, slide T-slot bolts into the channels and bolt brackets directly to the rack. Position heavy items over the rack bars, not cantilevered off the edge. Common mistake: mounting an awning only on one bar—use both bars for stability. Push and pull each accessory firmly to test for movement before driving.
5. Distribute weight evenly and secure loads: Place heavier items low and centered between the two bars. Use straps or tie-downs rated for the load, and check that nothing can slide sideways. Common mistake: loading all weight on one side, which affects handling and can exceed one bar's capacity. After 10 minutes of driving, pull over and re-tighten straps.

Product facts

Oztent Apex RT-C-1400 Roof Racks: Made from durable extruded aluminum with T-slot channels, this 2-piece set comes with a fitting kit for easy and straightforward installation. The T-slot channels let you slide in bolts for accessories like awnings or solar panels without drilling, and the two bars give you more mounting points and better weight distribution.