Roof rack static/dynamic loads? (1 Viewer)

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Hltoppr

Hltoppr

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Aug 29, 2002
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The local sales guy couldn't answer the load rating question for me on the stock FJ roof rack. Supposed to be 200# evenly distributed, but is that dynamic (moving) or static (stopped).

I've got a 115# rooftop tent that I'd be using on the rig....


Anyone know off hand?

-H-
 
I don't know that I've ever seen the roof rack load limit expressed in that way. All the load factors I've ever seen had a single number, and I always assumed that it related to being able to drive the vehicle safely without finding yourself on your side in otherwise normal turns or maneuvers. In other words, dynamic. I'm sure they all hold a great deal more than what is safe to drive with.

The 200 pound number seems quite high. Apparently there is an "operator caution card" intended to be placed in the glove box with the manual, but I didn't see mine, and the manual has no reference to the roof load, only to the total load capacity.

Remember that this vehicle sits up really high, has a spare tire mounted up high on its rear, and not much weight down low behind the rear wheels. If I had a lot of weight on the roof, I would drive with great caution.
 
I bought a roof rack as an accessory. Load rating on directions said rated for 156 lbs. Spread evenly. These roof racks are aluminum and are very light.
 
156 is the right number. Based on my usage of the rack the weakness isn't the main rack, it's the aluminum crossbars. They're thin walled aluminum attached with plastic clamps. A thicker steel crossbar and clamp would hold signitficantly more weight...at least until the roof contacts buckled.
 
I suppose 400 pounds of rack, tent, awning, kayaks and gas is a bit out of the question....:D :rolleyes:

65272976-M.jpg



I think I'll ditch the roofrack all together and start building a trailer...:idea:

-H-
 
Great setup!

Yepppers, I personnaly think the rack will handle a lot more weight with modification of course, so I'd wait for the aftermarket baskets, etc. to come out. In the meantime you might have to go light-weight, you know..a bivy, 3 mre's, good shoes, and a water filter!
 
Yakima makes a mount called the low rider that will mount their steel crossbars to the FJC's round rack bars. This will allow you to bypass the aluminum cross bars. Lowriders are about $140 and cross bars are about $100 (I think). I have had my set of Yakima cross bars for 14 years. Everytime I get a new car I just have to buy new "towers" to mount the bars to the roof.
 
I've thought it was safe to assume 150 was the max for most factory roof racks. Including wind force to that weight. I did not see a max load sticker on the FJ racks.

The cross rails on the factory rack appeared no stronger than most other factory racks I've seen, despite the beefier looking side rails, but still light weight. Also consider weight distribution. As well those are small screws holding the factory rack to the roof and roof sheetmetal tends to get banged up real easy these days.

Static and dynamic load sounds as though you're suggesting there's some other variable beyond strapping or mounting gear on the rack.

I tend to simplify static and dynamic loads by comparison to climbing rope and it's uses. Though it's been years since I've climbed. Anyway.

Unless you plan to tie a bungee or dynamic rope to your rack and drive off a bridge I would not worry about dynamic loads.

Chances are, whatever you attach to your rack, the steep windshield should deflect most wind up and over your cargo. Of course wind from the sides is another story.

It's also probably safe to assume like the racks on the Xterras, the FJ factory rack is there primarily for looks, a mountain bike or two, snow boards, whatever. I doubt even commercial uses were intended in it's design.
 
inthewall said:
I bought a roof rack as an accessory. Load rating on directions said rated for 156 lbs. Spread evenly. These roof racks are aluminum and are very light.
Click to expand...

Well thats not much good a jack and couple cans of fuel will use up most of that.
 
After seeing how the factory rack is assembled (and how easily they fall apart), I would not trust it for anything but the lightest-of-duty use. :frown:


Of course... My A.O. rack may have spoiled me a bit :cool:
 
That factory rack is made for light duty, like a cooler and your clothing etc in sealed waterproof bags strapped up there. Tents and other such items, I'd go get an ARB for that sort of thing.
 
The Gobi Stealth and Gobi Ranger hold 300 pounds. Great looking racks and they are pre-wired front and rear.
 
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