Seeking answer - Roof Load Capacity for HZJ80

[1hznewcomer]

Search as I may, I can't find a clear-cut answer. What is the roof load capacity for the noble steed? I have found reference to the 100 series roof rated to 200kg, however I see this number is being thrown around without much certainty. Specifically looking for load rating for full length gutter mount, ie, what load can the gutter rails support on the 80 series?
I have a RTT, Awning & Panel to mount. Have just upgraded soft roof tent to something a bit heavier. Seen many with near identical set-up to mine, but curiosity has the best of me here. TIA. note - I am aware of static and dynamic loads. Just want a fixed number to base calculations off.

 

[DivByZero]

From what I've seen, I don't think Toyota ever gave an official spec for this on the 80 series. I run a kings steel rack on mine and have loaded it up pretty well, including me stomping all over it when loading and unloading:

The thing is, as I'm sure you're aware, it really comes down to how well distributed the weight is, and where force is going to be concentrated when accelerating and braking. With a solid 8 clamping points like on this rack, and some thought into where the weight is sitting, my gut says it's good for at least a few hundred kg. What a rated number would be, I don't know, but Toyota were also quite conservative with their figures for the 80, ie around towing capacity, and people regularly ignore those and do it by gut/feel, so I suspect if there was a published spec, we'd probably mostly baulk at it and do our own thing anyway.

 

[crikeymike]

I don't believe actual roof load is ever given a spec. OEM roof racks or rails will always have a sticker on them with a rating, if they were shipped from the factory with the rack attached.

This used to come up in my ARB days, as people would ask it all the time. The engineer that designed the racks gave this answer, although that was 20 years ago, "technically, you can take that vehicle, lift it up, turn it upside down, and lay it on the roof and the whole thing won't collapse", when you think about the designs these have to go through for rollover protection.

Roof rack load ratings are given by roof rack manufacturers, and it was a hot topic a few years ago. Luckily you still have gutter mounts, which are definitely superior. New design racks and vehicles often just use some M10 hardware to actually attach it to the roof, so they can't hold much at all.

 

[ZetheGSD]

Being a gutter mount setup on most racks, I’d say you’re safe for a couple hundred pounds spread evenly. I’ve also seen guys run gutter clamp setups like on a front runner rack and bend the gutters in the mount spots over time and Offroad miles. The factory roof rack bolts into the roof skin with a small brace under the sheet metal and I wouldn’t trust that setup for much weight at all.