Weak point in factory roof rack system?

[Wile.E.Coyote]

Curious if anyone knows whether the weak point in the factory rack on 4thgen is the crossbars or the roof rails?

If I add 4 factory crossbars instead of 2 how does that affect the load rating? Which I think is 150lbs in standard 2 crossbar format.

Thanks!

 

[wnelax04sr5]

cross bars are sturdy material, where they fasten to the rails is what id worried about, theres plastic connectors and I'm not sure about the hardware, so id be more concerned about that. it would take a good amount of weight to bend or even break either part, but that doesnt mean its out of the question

 

[RunnerAK]

Curious if anyone knows whether the weak point in the factory rack on 4thgen is the crossbars or the roof rails?

If I add 4 factory crossbars instead of 2 how does that affect the load rating? Which I think is 150lbs in standard 2 crossbar format.

Thanks!

The crossbars are definitely the weak point, the roof rails are quite sturdy.

The ~150lb load rating is the dynamic load rating, meaning that you don't want to drive around with more than that up there. It can handle a much higher static load (I've had ~500lbs of rooftop tent plus people and gear on mine with no issues).

I think that the dynamic load rating has much more to do with center of gravity and driving dynamics than it does the actual strength of the rack. By driving with too much weight on the roof, you can severely compromise handling and increase your rollover risk.

 

[morphious]

The rails are strong!

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/211740-diy-bolted-roof-rack.html

 

[alms_lefko]

Curious if anyone knows whether the weak point in the factory rack on 4thgen is the crossbars or the roof rails?

If I add 4 factory crossbars instead of 2 how does that affect the load rating? Which I think is 150lbs in standard 2 crossbar format.

Thanks!

This is easy... The stupid plastic covers at the corners! Brittle as hell as they age in the sun and $100 each!

Ask me how I know!

 

[djtc]

I made some custom roof rails and i'll be selling them soon. Only reason for the sale is that I'll be building a full length rack.

 

[Wile.E.Coyote]

Thanks, I got 2 free cross bars and I'm gunna throw them under my Thule canyon basket once I buy the extension. I may take a closer look at the connection point to the roof rails if it is indeed plastic, to see how comfortable I am throwing a couple hundred pounds up there.

 

[4thgenblake]

This is easy... The stupid plastic covers at the corners! Brittle as hell as they age in the sun and $100 each!

Ask me how I know!

No ask ME HOW I KNOW!!!

 

[morphious]

This is easy... The stupid plastic covers at the corners! Brittle as hell as they age in the sun and $100 each!

Ask me how I know!

Yes, the covers can get brittle, but the actual rail assembly that mounts to the roof is solid.