To give context, I'm a photographer. Sometimes I might be able to get my shot by just standing on the roof, above obstructions, or to get a different perspective. So if not's safe (for the integrity of the roof panel) to stand on it, I'll not do it.
But if I were to want to achieve it, I suppose I would first need to install some kind of platform that mounts to the roof rack. Probably too much hassle at that point.
As other's have mentioned standing on the sheetmetal of the roof is not a good idea. I did the math on standing on a Sherpa rack in another posting no to long ago.
I have 2 x 1/2" plywood panels in my truck for me sleeping platform I just toss one up there and climb up. Only been up there one time but I weigh more than you do and don't have a ladder on the rear hatch.
Depends... If you have a business license for your photography (as I do), then that Victory or Prinsu roof rack you'd just love to stand on to take that photo of the lion over the tall grass is just another business write-off. Go for it!
I don't unfortunately have a photography license... it's just a hobby. If I can somehow write such things off, I might as well write off the 4runner itself as a business expense. lol
I don't unfortunately have a photography license... it's just a hobby. If I can somehow write such things off, I might as well write off the 4runner itself as a business expense. lol
EXACTLY!
At three years of loss (read: 4R upgrades with no photo sales) before it's designated a hobby, you're a piece of paper and two magnetic business labels for your doors away...
Let the PhotoRunner Build page begin!
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Stock 2008 Driftwood V8 4WD Limited with X-REAS, est. late 2020. Build page to come...
The owners manual for my 2008 clearly states "Do not exceed 54kg (120lb) cargo weight on the roof luggage carrier."
I think this is pretty clear and easy to understand, but I also think it doesn't take into account growing concern regarding ratings for offroad use. For example, Rhino Racks lower the load rating for their products for off-road use to 2/3 of the on-road load rating. The theory is that off-road driving can produce uncontrolled conditions that a manufacturer could not reasonably be expected to account for, or at least without doing extensive extreme testing.
If I were to follow this approach, I would comfortably put 120lbs on my factory roof rack for driving on good condition roads, but only 80lbs if I was on rough off-road trails. If I had removed my factory rails/bars and installed an aftermarket product, I would revise my calcs according to the difference in weight between the two.
So I feel really dumb, but I wasn't thinking and got on the roof of my 4Runner last weekend loading a canopy on the roof for a tailgate. I'm not real tall, and I only had rope, so I just climbed on the roof to help tie it down securely.
But now, as this thread makes obvious, my roof crumpled a bit under my weight. I thought it was merely visual until I tried to open the sunroof all the way today and it got stuck. Managed to get it closed by wedging a small narrow crowbar I've got in the opening between the roof and sunroof, but it still won't open all the way.
I'm thinking of buying one of those pop-a-lock air wedges or something similar, but figured I'd ask if anyone else has any experience with this beforehand.
Figured out months ago the air wedge trick didn't work, but never got around to taking it to a shop. Also tried plungers and similar tricks without success. But recently a coworker happened to have one of those suction dent pullers laying around, let me borrow it, and after a couple attempts, pulled it right out.