Roof racks and load ratings.

Middle of the night for me but I'm up doing what I always do at such an hour. Research.

The morning buzz.......roof rack 'use' and 'load ratings'.

There are 3 basic roof rack load ratings we all need to be 'more' aware of.

Static load - highway load - off road load and use.

I'm not going to post the videos here, but instead, will reference them for you to search if interested.

#1 Tyler Thompson's February 2, 2021 youtube video.

#2 Ronny Dahls February 10, 2021 youtube video.

A 'youtube search' will find both.

The lesson here is simple. The content in owners manuals should be taken 'more' seriously.

Hope the information they're sharing helps us all.

 

Owners manual 2021 4Runner - Page 190 - "Do not exceed 120 lb. (54 kg) cargo weight on the roof luggage carrier."

Nothing mentioned as it relates to vehicle use - static, highway, or off road. fwiw

 

Good thing our roof racks don't attach using the same method the Hilux does.

 

Ain't that the truth. Funny thing is, if a person simply searches the web(not the owners manual)they'll find numbers ranging from 300 to 600 pounds.

 

Probably "Lineman", we share similar backgrounds. Being a bit anal probably kept us alive.

 

Roof rack loads and weights - how much can I carry on my roofrack?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mLTJ6SpdUx4

 

2021 TRD PRO roof rack load rating label. Located on drivers side rear of rack on a plastic plate.

Reading it required the use of a magnifying glass.

MAX 110 LBS evenly distributed.

FWIW

 

Exploring all the options that appeal to me. Considering - cargo volume, height, weight & length of things to be stowed - weight of the box - wind resistance - etc etc.

These are the contenders. Hope this information helps someone else.

Aluminum Box 350 L > $615.00
Volume: 12 cubic feet | 89.8 Gallons
Dimensions: OUT
47" L x 31" W x 16.5" H
Dimension: INSIDE
45.5” L x 31” W x 15.75 H
Capacity: 440 lbs
Weight: 31 lbs
……………………………………………………

Aluminum Box 163 L > $420.00
Volume: 5.75 cubic feet / 43 Gallons
Dimensions: OUT
46.5" L x 15" W x 15.75" H
Dimensions: INSIDE
45” L x 13.5” W x 15” H
Capacity: 220 lbs
Weight: 20 lbs
……………………………………………

Aluminum Box 134 L > $400.00
Volume: 4.75 cubic feet / 35.5 Gallons
Dimensions: OUT
34" L x 19" W x 15.5" H
Dimensions: INSIDE
32.5” L x 17.5” W x 14.75 H
Capacity: 220 lbs
Weight: 17 lbs
……………………………………………………….

35 Gallon Rubbermaid Action Packer > price varies $50.00ish
Volume 4.02 cubic feet / 35 Gallons ?
Outside Dimensions
35.25 in.L. x 20.0 in.W x 17.25 in.H
Inside Dimensions
31.0 in.L x 16.0 in.W x 14.0 in.H
Weight 24 LBS
……………………………………………………..

48 gallon action packer > price varies $100.00ish
Volume 5.4 cubic feet = 40.4 Gallons
LENGTH INCHES
44-1/4
WIDTH INCHES
20-5/8
HEIGHT INCHES
17-1/4
INSIDE LENGTH INCHES
39-1/2
INSIDE WIDTH INCHES
17-1/2
INSIDE HEIGHT INCHES
13-1/2
CAPACITY
181.7 Liters ?
CAPACITY GALLONS
48 ?
WEIGHT LBS
29

 

Thanks for posting the YouTube video. I've never seen the "divide by 1.5" rule of thumb for off-road use and it's nice to have a ballpark rule of the thumb. I think it's surprisingly difficult to figure out safe capacities for many vehicles. But just to be clear, if your vehicle is like my 2016 SR5, it's the factory crossbars that have a relatively low rating (I thought it was 130 but maybe it's 110) but the roof rails can carry more so with a strong aftermarket rack like the Thule I use the rating is 300 pounds for driving (so maybe 300/1.5 = 200 if you're bouncing around off-road or jumping your truck) and 600 pounds static (like maybe for those folks that never have to pee and want to sleep in a tent on their roof).

 

Glad you found it useful information. I did too.

Toyota's 2021 Owners Manual states 120 MAX. No mention of the TRD PRO's weight limit. Hence the post.

First I've heard about roof rail ratings. Thanks....I think. lol

Honestly do not know if Toyota ratings are based on roof rail or roof attachment limitations. One things for sure. It won't be easy to get a straight answer. But, I'll do some digging anyway.

 

@Gumpus > Toyota 2016 rating / Can support a maximum of 132 lb. when weight is evenly distributed across *both bars.

https://www.toyota.com/content/ebrochure/2016/4runner_accessories_ebrochure.pdf

.

 

You have my vote 2024

 

It's crazy that it's so difficult to get clear answers. Yes I see the low rating on your link but that shows the factory crossbars. If I google it I get quick answer of "300 pounds" while driving (and 600 or more static) for 4Runner roof capacity. Then a couple of rack manufacturers also call out a 300 pound limit (they forget to mention whether you need to subtract the weight of their rack) and like the one attached they say they use factory attachment points and hardware.

https://www.southernstyleoffroad.com/product/5th-gen-4runner-roof-rack/

I've carried canoes on a lot of vehicles and I've owned a bunch of racks. The 4-Runner roof rails appear to be metal where most are plastic. The 4-Runner rails are stiff and strong, I cannot make them deflect at all. When I add a Thule rack their steels bars are rated for 165 pounds each and again are just super stiff. One 4-Runner thread talked about warning folks that the factory crossbars might be weak at the attachment points, that makes sense to me since I can make factory crossbars on vehicles I've owned deflect a little bit by leaning hard on them...and the ends are plastic. So I have a lot of confidence in the 4Runner metal roof rails combined with steel crossbars. I'm probably safe in any case since I just carry lightweight canoes that are also pretty aerodynamic. But if I were you and putting a big box up top I'd feel better with stronger aftermarket crossbars versus the factory crossbars.

 

After hours of deliberation the choice has been made. The winner of the highest and best use award goes to Aluminum box 163 L x 2. With both in place, both lids could be opened at the same time, if need be. I have weighed, measured, and sized everything the boxes will be needed for, and they work. After hours of trying to identify any potential glitches I'd say I'm fairly well studied on how these will fit and function on our PRO racks. So if you ever consider using 1, or 2 of the 163 L's give me a shout if you have questions on fit, function or method of attachment.

 

Email to Toyota requesting load rating information as it relates to the TRD PRO OEM roof rack and its 110 pound load rating.

Basic Question:
Is the weight limit a function of the racks construction or that of the roof assembly it is mounted to?

Response:
Dear Mr. .......

Thank you for contacting Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.

Congratulations on the purchase of your new 2021 Toyota 4Runner!

The weight limit stated of 110 pounds is for the roof and roof rack.

Toyota's warranty covers repairs and adjustments needed to correct defects in materials or workmanship of any part supplied by Toyota. Modifications to your vehicle could affect the performance, safety or durability, and may violate government regulations. Non-Toyota parts, or any damage or failures resulting from their use, are not covered by any Toyota warranty.

Your email has been documented at our National Headquarters. If we can be of further assistance, please feel free to contact us.

Sincerely,

Ashely M.
Toyota Brand Engagement Center

 

Like you I enjoy vehicle camping in remote areas and have been doing it for years, first with a couple of Landcruisers and now with a 2017 TRD PRO. In regards to the roof rack, I use standard square Thule crossbars attached to the PRO factory bars with 4 Thule feet. I have both standard and long length Thule bars to use depending on the kind of trip I'm taking; I use the long bars when bringing my kayak. In any case I always use a large Thule cargo box (Force XT XL I think). I carried the kayak (70 lbs.) and Thule box (about 125 lbs. loaded with gear) on a 5000 mile, five-week trip from San Diego to Glacier and throughout the rockies with no problem. I don't know if the roof rack on later TRD PRO models are the same as 2017, and whether they will work with Thule, but mine does.

As for gear, the Thule cargo box carries traction mats for sand etc., fishing gear (waders, rod, etc.), a couple of folding chairs, a 4-man base-camp tent and a 2-man backpacking tent, a backpack, a sack of Coleman 1 Lb. propane bottles, and other gear. In the truck, I remove the rear seats. I use two smaller size rubbermaid cargo boxes and one larger one to store supplies: (1) air compressor, tow strap, hatchet, saw, machete, other straps; (2) food and other supplies; (3) the large box carries more food, cook set, utensils, etc.. The point with these boxes is that the larger one can be moved to the side of the vehicle that has the cooler (Yeti 45 qt.) and the other two smaller boxes can be stacked on top of it. This leaves half of the rear open for sleeping; I rarely use the base camp tent. I roll out an inflatable Therm-a-Rest pad and put a sleeping bag on it. I'm 6'2" and can stretch out fully. That's one of the great features of the 4Runner: When you remove the rear seats and have the sliding cargo tray option, the rear is entirely flat. Moving the passenger seat up a few inches gives me enough room. I have a duffle bag with cloths in the rear that I move to the front passenger seat when sleeping. I often bring a dreadnaught guitar with me too! It can be stacked on top of the cargo boxes that have been stacked on the side. I also have a 7-gallon water jug that fit on that side.

Yeti 45 qt: I like this one because it's small and can keep things cool -- beer, sandwich meat -- for about a week in warmer conditions. I stow it length-wise behind the driver seat.

I just joined this site. The camping threads here are a good place for sharing info. I was looking into roof-top tent ideas. I've decided no on that one; too much hassle in many ways, and I wouldn't be able to do kayak trips with it. It takes me just a few minutes to arrange the rear of the truck for sleeping.

 

Welcome aboard. You have found a great group of people to share ideas with. You should do an introduction post. If you're so inclined.

 

Desert Armor Tank has built in racks.

 

In the weeds. Granted it's likely unwanted information by most. For whatever reason I find it interesting.

http://160592857366.free.fr/joe/ebooks/Automative engineering books/Motor Vehicle Structures.pdf
.

 

So what’s the dimensions inside the rack? I see the weight limit, trying to find something that would fit inside it, be it a bag or a storage box?