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How much weight can you put on roof bars?

The amount of weight you can safely put on roof bars depends on several factors, including the specific roof bar system, the vehicle's weight capacity, and local regulations. As a general guideline, most roof bars can support between 75-165 lbs (34-75 kg) of evenly distributed weight.


Understanding Roof Bar Weight Capacity


Roof bars, also known as roof racks or roof rails, are designed to securely hold various types of cargo on the roof of a vehicle. The weight capacity of roof bars is typically determined by the manufacturer and can vary significantly depending on the make, model, and materials used.


Some key factors that influence the weight capacity of roof bars include:



  • Vehicle weight rating: The maximum weight the vehicle can safely carry, including passengers, cargo, and the weight of the vehicle itself.

  • Roof bar construction: Roof bars made of stronger materials like aluminum or steel can generally support more weight than those made of plastic or other lightweight materials.

  • Roof bar mounting: Properly installed and secured roof bars can handle more weight than those that are loosely or improperly mounted.

  • Weight distribution: Evenly distributing the weight across the roof bars is crucial, as concentrated loads can exceed the bars' capacity and potentially damage the vehicle's roof.


It's important to always refer to the manufacturer's recommendations for the specific roof bar system and vehicle to ensure safe and proper usage.


Typical Roof Bar Weight Capacities


While the exact weight capacity can vary, here are some general guidelines for typical roof bar weight limits:



  • Lightweight roof bars: 75-100 lbs (34-45 kg)

  • Standard roof bars: 100-165 lbs (45-75 kg)

  • Heavy-duty roof bars: 165-300 lbs (75-136 kg)


It's crucial to note that these are just general estimates, and the actual weight capacity may differ based on the specific roof bar system and vehicle. Always consult the manufacturer's recommendations or a professional installer to determine the safe weight limit for your setup.


Exceeding the Weight Limit


Overloading roof bars can lead to serious consequences, including:



  • Damage to the roof bars: Exceeding the weight capacity can cause the bars to bend, break, or become unstable, potentially leading to cargo loss or vehicle damage.

  • Reduced vehicle handling and stability: Excessive weight on the roof can negatively impact the vehicle's center of gravity, making it more difficult to control and increasing the risk of rollovers or other accidents.

  • Legal issues: In many regions, exceeding the vehicle's weight capacity or the roof bar's weight limit may be illegal and can result in fines or other penalties.


To ensure the safety of your vehicle and its occupants, it's crucial to always stay within the recommended weight limits for your roof bar system and vehicle.

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 you put on a standard bar?


100 to 200 lbs.
Standard barbells are 5 to 6 feet long and weigh between 15 to 25 lbs. Most regular barbells have a load capacity of 100 to 200 lbs. Again, the diameter can fluctuate, which will determine the weight capacity it can handle.



How much can I put on my roof rack?


How do I find the static roof load limit for my car? The best way to find your static roof load limit is to multiply your dynamic roof load limit by 3-5. So if your car has a 50kg dynamic roof load limit, your static limit would be 150kg to 250kgs.



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.



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.



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.



How much weight 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.



How much weight can you carry on roof racks?


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 you put on a 25 pound bar?


Crafted in stainless steel and finished in chrome, this high-quality barbell has a maximum capacity of up to 255 lb. Rep counting now available for all Tempo Equipment.



Can you leave roof bars on all the time?


We therefore recommend that roof bars should be removed whenever they aren't being used, although Prorack's Whispbar bars, which generate minimal drag and noise, may as well be left in place full time during your activity season.


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.