Too many info points on roof capacity with roof racks. What's true?

I have a '21 4Runner and just picked up a Gobi Stealth roof rack. Now I've seen that Toyota says roof capacity is around 120 lbs, which definitely sounds ultra-conservative. Gobi says 300 lbs dynamic, and 600 lbs static. Even dynamic is over twice what Toyota says. I'm not planning on doing heavy off-roading with a heavy load--will adjust accordingly if I do.

The question is, what are y'all's opinions on safe dynamic loads for the Gobi roof rack? I've got a 1200 mile trip coming up (all highway so no bumps) but I'll be transporting some expensive gear, so this will help me plan if I need to leave anything behind. If I can safely put a couple of hundred pounds up there (dynamic), then I can strap in one of my larger pieces of equipment that won't fit in the cargo area with all of my other gear.

Thoughts appreciated.
J

 

I've had around 300 lbs on there on several road trips. Was fine.

 

that's definitely a relief! Thanks!
jon

 

I believe the Toyota rating is for their rack, not the roof rating. I’m not sure if there is an actual roof rating.

 

Huh. That's a good point. I'll look in the manual again to see if I can find any clarification. I'm headed to Toyota Body shop tomorrow to ask some other questions. Maybe they'll know.

 

Once you add that weight up top, plus passengers, plus gear in the back you'll notice it takes longer to stop on the freeway. That's the biggest thing adding weight. The vehicle in general is less safe. You're not going to hurt it putting weight up there.

 

Roofs have two ratings. Dynamic and static. Dynamic rating (while moving) is probably around 250-350, depending on the rack system. Static rating (while parked) is easily 500+ for most racks. I would say that even upwards of 600-700lbs is possible with a good-quality system, seeing how folks put a big Roof top tent (150lbs), two adults (300-400lbs) a couple kids/dogs (50-150lbs) with regularity.


I’d say Gobi is right on in their statement on ratings.

 

Great! Thanks!

 

200 lbs plus another 75 or so for the Gobi rack would be noticeable in a highway speed avoidance maneuver. Add a lift and taller tires, and it gets tippier. I think the lawyers and engineers want to minimize rollovers in this situations with their conservative dynamic weight ratings. The roof and rack are strong enough, but it still degrades stability. Make you own decision with your needs, and risk aversion considered.

 

Great points.

 

I haul a Hobie Outback and Compas Duo Kayak all the time on my Gobi rack. Hobi lists the hull weights as 85 & 92lbs so thats 177# of the roof with a lot of windload. Been on a few 1000mile round trips down to the keys. No issues.

IMG_0495.1 by EricT4R, on Flickr