Roof Weight

Submitted: Thursday, Sep 20, 2007 at 16:41

ThreadID: 49891 Views:6605 Replies:5 FollowUps:12

This Thread has been Archived

Stefandsal

Hello all
Just wondering if anyone has an idea about how much weight is reasonably safe to carry on the roof of a vehicle. I have a 2005 MK GLX-R Triton. I have a canopy, with 2 roof bars (internal) with a rating of 75kg each. I also have a heavy duty roof basket about 1800x 1200 so weight can be fairly evenly distributed. I'd probably have 400kg "in" the vehicle on any given camp. I only have standard suspension at this stage but I'm looking at upgrading so the vehicle will lift a little but no more than 2". I understand that I would need to be extra cautious driving with any heavy gear up top (cornering & stopping etc). I must add that I'm not planning on overloading the vehicle. I just want some ideas of what weights people carry up there? 10, 20, 50, 100, 200kgs+? By the way, thanks for the replies re the suspension upgrade. I'm onto it.

Back Expand Un-Read 0 Moderator Share

Reply By: Notso - Thursday, Sep 20, 2007 at 16:48

Thursday, Sep 20, 2007 at 16:48

I've got a Triton too but can't say what the roof rack loading would be. The Nissan Patrol has a limit of 150 kilograms.

AnswerID: 263188

Follow Up By: BennyGU - Thursday, Sep 20, 2007 at 20:28

Thursday, Sep 20, 2007 at 20:28

GU is 200kgs

FollowupID: 524792

Reply By: Kev M (QLD Bound) - Thursday, Sep 20, 2007 at 16:52

Thursday, Sep 20, 2007 at 16:52

Stef & Sal,

I have the same set up with an MK Triton, i.e. 2 roof bars but with a 1250 x 1850mm ARB Trademan Rack.

I have put approx 150kg of gear up there and would not recommend you do it unless you maintain a fair bit of weight lower down. Even then it gets a little top heavy.

Cheers Kev

Russell Coight:
He was presented with a difficult decision: push on into the stretching deserts, or return home to his wife.

Lifetime Member
My Profile My Blog Send Message

AnswerID: 263189

Follow Up By: Stefandsal - Thursday, Sep 20, 2007 at 17:07

Thursday, Sep 20, 2007 at 17:07

Kev

You have quickly answered both this question & my suspension one. Thanks. Given my limited knowledge I prefer to hear from people with the same vehicle, although whilst learning I'll happily take & examine any advice. I have six (6) 900x450 space cases & 4 of them fit neatly within the rack. I don't intend to have excessive weight up there, but if ever necessary, I would fill the car with all the heavy stuff first.

FollowupID: 524754

Follow Up By: Kev M (QLD Bound) - Thursday, Sep 20, 2007 at 17:20

Thursday, Sep 20, 2007 at 17:20

I bet they are olive drab as well :))

Be aware that your wind resistance will increase greatly with the boxes on the rack, and as such expect very average fuel consumption.

I use a 1100 x 550 x 310mm space case on the roof as well as the 3 x swags and the tent.

I now tow an off road trailer that fits 6 space cases that are 1100 x 550 x 550mm.

Cheers Kev

Russell Coight:
He was presented with a difficult decision: push on into the stretching deserts, or return home to his wife.

Lifetime Member
My Profile My Blog Send Message

FollowupID: 524758

Follow Up By: Stefandsal - Thursday, Sep 20, 2007 at 17:31

Thursday, Sep 20, 2007 at 17:31

So I lived in Townsville for 28 years! No big deal.

FollowupID: 524762

Follow Up By: Kev M (QLD Bound) - Thursday, Sep 20, 2007 at 17:36

Thursday, Sep 20, 2007 at 17:36

I have 11 in assorted sizes and the majority are that nice Olive drab colour LOL

Russell Coight:
He was presented with a difficult decision: push on into the stretching deserts, or return home to his wife.

Lifetime Member
My Profile My Blog Send Message

FollowupID: 524763

Reply By: Member - Phil G (SA) - Thursday, Sep 20, 2007 at 17:03

Thursday, Sep 20, 2007 at 17:03

Centre of gravity is more of an issue than strength of the roof.
For example, a 90series Prado's limit is 75kg; 100series is about 200kg.

2 spare tyres on steel rims would weigh 70kgs alone. It doesn't take much to reach that limit.

AnswerID: 263193

Follow Up By: Stefandsal - Thursday, Sep 20, 2007 at 17:30

Thursday, Sep 20, 2007 at 17:30

Thanks Phil
I should have mentioned that I am aware of "centre of gravity" issues. I am really just wondering what weight people actually do put up there & what real life dramas it has caused if any.

FollowupID: 524760

Follow Up By: Member - Phil G (SA) - Thursday, Sep 20, 2007 at 18:56

Thursday, Sep 20, 2007 at 18:56

Pretty hard to put less than 100kgs up there.

"what real life dramas"
You could look up the stats on 4wd rollovers - from memory its pretty scary especially on gravel roads.

FollowupID: 524774

Reply By: Member RayJen Paj05 (NSW) - Thursday, Sep 20, 2007 at 20:24

Thursday, Sep 20, 2007 at 20:24

Hi Stefandsal, altho we have a Paj and I know that you are esp interested in the Triton and are aware of CoG isues, when I planned for a rack and rooftopper tinnie I found Mitsubishi Aust to be very helpful. Maybe give them a call?

AnswerID: 263226

Follow Up By: Kev M (QLD Bound) - Thursday, Sep 20, 2007 at 20:30

Thursday, Sep 20, 2007 at 20:30

Ray,

How did the painting go, it wasn't to hot was it LOL

Kev

Russell Coight:
He was presented with a difficult decision: push on into the stretching deserts, or return home to his wife.

Lifetime Member
My Profile My Blog Send Message

FollowupID: 524794

Follow Up By: Member RayJen Paj05 (NSW) - Thursday, Sep 20, 2007 at 22:12

Thursday, Sep 20, 2007 at 22:12

Too cold! I'm over it, Kev

FollowupID: 524828

Follow Up By: Kev M - Saturday, Sep 22, 2007 at 21:25

Saturday, Sep 22, 2007 at 21:25

LOL,

I'll be in QLD by the 20 Jan, so I was informed yesterday. It only took them 11 months to come to that decision :))

Kev

Russell Coight:
He was presented with a difficult decision: push on into the stretching deserts, or return home to his wife.

Lifetime Member
My Profile My Blog Send Message

FollowupID: 525087

Reply By: Bytemrk - Saturday, Sep 22, 2007 at 21:15

Saturday, Sep 22, 2007 at 21:15

Don't forget as well as what works for others and being careful about roll over risk...

Every vehicle has a roof load limit stated by the manufacturer - excede this, have an accident and you may have insurance worries.

No idea of what that limit is on your vehicle... but try putting "Triton roof load limit" into google.. It might scare you.

I found an article from Overlander magazine that claimed a dual cab Triton had a 60KG roof load limit..

Mark

AnswerID: 263489