When we talk to customers about roof racks and cross bars, we often find a lot of confusion over the following three points...
1. Dynamic load limits vs. absolute load limits. Rack systems sold in the USA almost always specify the DYNAMIC load limit. This is much more about vehcile handling and braking than the strength of the vehicle roof. Very few vehicles sold in the USA have a dynamic load limit of more than 165lbs. All Landcruisers are rated at 165 lbs dynamic roof load.
When stationary, vehicles can support hundreds of pounds - four people and a tent on a roof mounted rack system is not too much. The rack system carries the weight to the strongest part of the roof.
2. This DOES NOT MEAN THAT THE FACTORY RACK AND CROSSBARS WILL CARRY THAT WEIGHT. Almost all factory crossbars are marginal for any weight beyond a pair of skis or similar. The factory towers and rails on most vehicles are quite strong, but the crossbars may not be. We almost always end up recommending Thule, Yakima or other engineered crossbars for mounting AutoHome tents on customer vehicles. We have had zero reported failures with Thule or Yakima bars carrying our tents.
3. Functional considerations. Some people I talk to have ordered the coolest, baddest expedition basket that can be found - the rack itself often exceeding the dynamic load limt of their vehicle. When they ask advice on how to fit a tent, I often need to tell them that the cool rack has to come off, or be fitted with cross bars that can carry the tent. Very few baskets have the interior width to carry any but the smallest tents. I always hate to do this, and I like these baskets for the use intended - loads of gear to be carried across the Sahara or the Australian outback.
In any case, a bit of pre-planning and consideration of actual needs is the best approach that I can offer to the potential buyer.
Mike S
