Hello, first time poster, long time lurker. I'm looking to buy the Smittybilt Overlander XL but it is big and heavy and recommended to have a very sturdy base. What I currently have is 4 stock roof bars and 4 thule gutter mount bars. I'm considering attaching an alluminum sheet to all the bars to help disperse weight? The tent weight is 148 lbs.

 

Hey there fella,

I have the non XL Overlander tent, it is only a few lbs less then yours, but it can hold up to 600 lbs. I use 2 Thule cross bars and it is good to go. I first tried with the stock rails and they folded like a taco shell on Tuesdays. I think you should be just fine with the 4 Thule bars.

Lets see a pic when you get it set up, because it is definitely a large tent.

 

Thanks Mark. I noticed one of my rails is wiggly. Not sure the extent of the problem yet but I might need some welded reinforcement. How's the driving with it on the roof? in wind? turbulence? sway?