Loading

How much weight can my roof bars hold?

The weight capacity of your roof bars is an important consideration when loading up your vehicle for a trip. Knowing the maximum weight your roof bars can safely support can help you avoid potential damage or safety issues. In this article, we'll provide a detailed overview of how to determine the weight capacity of your roof bars and what factors to consider.


Determining the Weight Capacity of Your Roof Bars


The weight capacity of your roof bars is typically specified by the manufacturer and can vary depending on the make and model of your vehicle. The maximum weight capacity is usually between 75-150 lbs (34-68 kg) per pair of roof bars. However, it's important to check the specific weight rating for your roof bars, as this can differ.,


To find the weight capacity of your roof bars, you can check the documentation that came with your vehicle or the roof bars themselves. If you don't have this information, you can also contact the manufacturer or check their website for the specifications.


Factors to Consider


When determining the weight capacity of your roof bars, there are several factors to consider:



  • Vehicle type and size: Larger vehicles, such as SUVs and trucks, generally have a higher weight capacity for roof bars compared to smaller cars.

  • Roof bar design and construction: Roof bars made of stronger materials, such as aluminum or steel, can typically support more weight than those made of lighter materials.

  • Load distribution: It's important to distribute the weight evenly across the roof bars to ensure stability and prevent damage to the vehicle.

  • Wind and driving conditions: The weight capacity of your roof bars may be affected by factors such as wind, speed, and road conditions, so it's essential to adjust your load accordingly.


By considering these factors, you can ensure that you're using your roof bars safely and within their weight capacity limits.


Staying Within the Weight Limit


To stay within the weight capacity of your roof bars, it's important to carefully calculate the total weight of your load, including the weight of the roof bars themselves. As a general rule, it's best to keep the total weight below the maximum weight capacity specified by the manufacturer. This will help prevent damage to your vehicle and ensure a safe journey.


If you're unsure about the weight capacity of your roof bars or have any concerns about the load you're carrying, it's always best to consult a professional or the vehicle manufacturer for guidance.

Can I carry stuff on the roof of my car?


Although it's not illegal to strap things to the roof of your car, it is illegal in all 50 states to travel with an unsecured load. The consequences for securing loads improperly can mean fines, penalties, misdemeanor criminal charges and even jail time if any bodily harm is caused by your falling debris.



How much weight is safe on roof rack?


Calculating a roof's weight limit is straightforward. For example, if a vehicle's roof has a weight capacity of 200 pounds and the owner wants to mount a roof rack, they need to subtract the weight of the roof rack from 200. If the rack weighs 60 pounds, you can only load an additional 140 pounds.



How much load can roof bars hold?


Normally, roof bars will have a weight limit printed in the instructions or on the box. Our roof bar ranges have a weight capacity from 50kg to 100kg depending on the roof bars you choose. However, your car's roof will have a weight limit too, which is normally lower than this.



Can a roof hold a 300lb person?


Roof Weight Standards
A minimum requirement is for roofs to be able to support a concentrated weight of 300lbs. Concentrated weight means that this load is placed directly on a single area on the roof.



How much weight can roof racks support?


Product Load Rating Table

Roof SystemDynamic - MaxStatic - Max
Titan Tray + Ridge Mount100kg400kg
Titan Tray + Low Mount35kg per leg pair3X Dynamic
Sports Extended35kg per cross bar3X Dynamic
Sports Concealed35kg per cross bar3X Dynamic



How much weight can I put on roof bars?


Normally, roof bars will have a weight limit printed in the instructions or on the box. Our roof bar ranges have a weight capacity from 50kg to 100kg depending on the roof bars you choose.



What happens if you exceed roof rack weight limit?


But there's more to the issue than just exceeding the manufacturers roof load limit, see, you're reducing the handling ability of your vehicle and also increasing its wind resistance. And while the latter will cost you cash the former could kill you or someone else.



How much weight can I carry on my car roof?


So the reason there's a roof load limit is twofold; first, the roof itself can carry only a certain amount of weight, and second, the negative effect on car handling and stability. So this is why roof load limits are put in place by carmakers. Usually, the limits are between 50 and 100kg, sometimes as high as 200kg.



What will a heavy load on your roof rack cause?


Explanation: A heavy load on your roof rack will reduce the stability of the vehicle because it moves the centre of gravity away from that designed by the manufacturer. Be aware of this when you drive round bends and corners.



Can a roof support a 300lb person?


Roof Weight Standards
A minimum requirement is for roofs to be able to support a concentrated weight of 300lbs. Concentrated weight means that this load is placed directly on a single area on the roof.


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.