Roofrack loads and weights - how much can I carry on my roofrack? 

Robert you are quickly becoming the “go to” channel for all things technical for 4WD’s! 👍

Great analysis that cuts through the emotive presentations from those whose roof rack failures were simply a result of not doing the research and the arithmetic... well-done again Robert!

I researched roof limits before buying my roof rack about 4 years ago. Very little info online. I did learn I have a stamped boron steel roof and pillars and a oem roof rating of 250lbs. Keep up the good work.

wOw ... been searching for answers to my questions when phoning and researching the more detailed specs, from toyota, thule & etrailer, google and youtube, without any success. Everyone says to review manual and/or product manufacture. Until YOU. Thank you so much! You nailed it & I will subscribe to your channel, because of it. ❤

I have a Nissan patrol gu wagon with a aluminium roofrack with 4 gutter mounts on each side the last trip I did was about 7000 Kay's I had about 200 kilos never had an issue I always check the rack and what's on it I've been loading my roof racks with about the same load for years I always corner slower and after 100 of kays on corrugated road always check the rack and load my roof rack and roof are still in mint condition

Great explanation, thank you!

I appreciate the efforts of some youtubers, such as your case, to focus on this issue of the limits that affect the roof of the vehicle, the roof rack and the roof rack anchors, as well as the static limitations of the system and dynamics as well (on-road and off-road). Studying all these data will not only avoid damage to the vehicle itself and potential warranty problems, both for the vehicle and the roof rack, but also possible lawsuits in the event of an incident / accident caused by a broken roof rack and / or detachment of the roof rack payload. It is true that we live in a world very prone to solve problems through the courts, but before getting there, it is responsibility and common sense that should guide our actions. I am concerned about the behavior of some youtubers who, however, do not say anything about this matter, remain silent, perhaps because they are due to those brands that sponsor them, not only from the manufacturers of roof racks, but also from roof top tent ones.

Really useful information :)

Top video Robert - probably best on the Web Many thanks

Thank you Robert. Very informative. The recent posts on RU-vid have had me concerned. You set my mind at rest.

Good video, i only have stuff on the roofrack if im driving on road, offroad i try and keep it to a min (no big heavy stuff) i dont use a rooftop tent either.

thank you for detail video

Guess I'll have to scrap my wrought iron rack ;) Seriously, well done and very informative.

G’day Robert, very nice detail explanation and supplement video to what the other 4 guys have brought up. I still scratch my head why it only comes up that big after some pop rivets tear up a roof. Lucky-wise nothing happen on road side!! But Really wonder with all the experts in Australia and working safety that is has been overlooked for so long or blind eyes put on it. Really, nobody did before the math proper??. Now the Cat is out of the bag! Wait and see what the roof-rack manufacturer are doing now to fix it or loose the business, since 1500.-AUD rack cost for 40-50kg load capacity is just not justifying it for me..Cheers and please keep your good tech stuff coming the audience way to make it safer for all others. Thanks

Great video Robert Another factor is the aerodynamics of the load and the leverage it exerts on the vehicle Examples - rigid surfboards/ Kayak compared to a similar weight flexible mattress or rubber- ducky Side & head wind-load and external influence of on-coming semi trailers or when to expect sudden wind gusts - terrain or varying road verge shelter I have seen roof racks filled with bulky items (when moving house) and all wrapped up in plastic to keep it dry but the vehicle created wind speed billows out the plastic especially if it has been tied in place with flexible ockie straps - and its all out of sight of the vehicle occupants!

Incredibly useful as I just got a 4wd Everest with 17 inch wheels and a Pioneer platform - thanks for doing the maths for me!!

Although a Rhinorack was linked to start of the latest roof rack wars I have always found their literature top notch, including listing of offroad rating on the hard copy info with the rack and on their web site. Another reason to stick with premium products for something as safety critical as a roof rack

Very useful.. Thanks.. just had to convert Kg to Lbs.. no biggie though!

Subscribed! 👍

Excellent vid Robert I always knew that racks were over loaded by people with RTT's, totes and Jerry cans. I told Rony Dahl about this last year as well as 4wd au. Glad people are listening now.👍😆

Pretty sure you talked me out of a 150lb rooftop tent from Roof Nest on my 2020 4 Runner Limited (120lb capacity) if I interpreted this info correctly.

All of a sudden this is a big topic. I understand why but it's weird that all of a sudden everyone is talking about this like it's new. Still, a good reminder for this and other ways to load your vehicle properly and get away from the urge/trend to buy everything under the sun and load it on your rig. Minimal is the most efficient and best way to travel.

I would love to drive with people mounted to the roof in a tent 🤣

You got my attention when you said Rhino racks (bars) are 50kg a pair, 100kg for 4. I have been told numerous times (by rhino and re-sellers) that my bars (two) are rated to 100kg. I'm about to put a 57kg RTT on it so if it's 50 a pair - that's off the table.

Robert, how does the static rating, being a multiple of 3, affect potential warranty claims with the dealer or manufacturer? Using your Ranger example with the 100kg on-road and 300kg static limits, if a static load of greater than 100kg but less than 300kg causes a failure in the roof while static, in your opinion, how is this likely to be received as a warranty claim? ARB have told me in an email their cab racks are rated for one dynamic load at 75kg (dual cab Colorado). The cab rack weighs 30kg and the payload is 45kg. Why would I de-rate ARB’s specifications by using another manufacturer’s rating system or a general rule of thumb, when they appear to back their own products with one dynamic rating for all uses? Great video, especially the bar charts showing the break-up of the loads and ratings.

Thanks again Robert - excellent as usual. But I'm not convinced about the offroad derating of the manufacturer's roof limit (100 to 66 Kg for the Everest). I've been assuming the 100 Kg roof limit on my Prado is for offroad too, and why wouldn't it be? Its GVM isn't reduced by 33% when you go offroad. If my "offroad" roof limit is only 66 Kg and I subtract 33.5 Kg for my Rhino Rack platform, that is only 32.5 kg of payload!

Also, when considering hwy speed vs 4WD speed I am a little surprised 4WD weights are lower. Vibration, angles, bumps must have greater impact than high speed cornering stability

Fantastic video - any ideas what the limit is for an 80 series Landcruiser?

I'd love to know what fuel impost caused by a roof rack (with and without cargo) - I get this is a how long is a piece of string question, but I'm sure a rule of thumb guestimate could be offered? Thanks for the clear explanation of roof rack loading limits Robert.

how would you compare Rook Racks from Retailer like supercheap, Autobarn, Repco to brand such as Rinho or Yakima ? is it a sense of what pay for what you get for ? thanks

Where did you get the 200kG limit for roof weight of GU Patrol please? My understanding was 100kg but I cannot find anything definitive in the handbook or elsewhere.

the prices on those racks... damn...

Something which i am struggling to get accurate advice on is how a 4WD actually works. Well, we know how it works but the actual mechanics work. For example, a standard 4WD in 2WD operation. Is it a one wheel drive or does it have an LSD and drive both wheels? When in 4WD is in 4WD does it drive all 4 wheels or really only 2WD? One front and one back Then what does a centre diff lock do? As I understand the situation an All Wheel Drive can drive on the bitumen, but a true 4WD can’t. BUT, my Mitsubishi Pajero Sport allows me to drive on the bitumen in 4WD. ??? When using Traction Control the slipping wheel is braked to allow the other wheel to get more traction. When I put my Pajero in 4WD with centre and back diff’s locked, is it really only 3WD? (Traction Control is disabled when the rear diff lock is engaged). Do all 4WD’s operate the same? If I put in a front diff lock (Lokka) does that mean I will really have a 4WD? So many questions. Are you up to it Robert? 👍🙂

My number one rule for roofracks is to never fit one. The very small amount of stuff you can fit is not worth the effort.

so if the roof limit is 80kg and a roof top tent weighs say 40kg , then 2 humans and bedding , ipad , etc , 220 kg , to 250 kg , NO PROBLEMS ,,, he he he