Roof rack weight rating

[quark_man]

Does anyone know what the maximum weight limit for the roof rack is? I have not found any information on this at all and hope its at least 100 lbs.

[GraybeardAv]

I asked the same thing recently, and was pointed to ConsumerAffairs.com: Knowledge is Power! Consumer news, reviews, complaints, resources, safety recalls . I think maybe they were beefed up after MY2000. What I found there were two numbers: 75 lb and 150 lb, so I didn't pursue it further, as the box I might have put up there is 210 lb.

Instead, I bought a tiny trailer with a 3'x4'x2' plastic box on it.

I also considered a platform that mounts in the hitch receiver. They're as cheap as $60 at Horbor Fright. It would haul a 200 lb box, but mine is 5' tall, meaning no access to the rear hatch where the spare is accessed and the jack is located.

If you're hauling on the hiway, your greatest hazard might be 18-wheelers in a crosswind, regardless how you haul the load externally.

GB

[quark_man]

thank you !

[fettcols]

I know it wasn't the right thing to do but I hauled a couch on the roof of my '01 once. I had some ratchet straps and wasn't interested in paying $80 to have it delivered a mile.

[Flyingjackal456]

Stowaway2 Cargo Carriers - Hitch cargo carrier

They sell a bunch of stuff, I picked something that might work, but the price tag may not. I actually own a closed-box swingaway thing from them. I think it's a pretty good product.


(This is for the 2" hitch reciever)
Swingaway Cargo Rack - StowAway2 Cargo Carriers Rear Trailer Hitch Mounted Cargo Box

[quark_man]

AUCH fettcols!!

Flying, I came to the same conclusion. I am going to score something for the hitch (either a platform or a carrier) when I'll come up short of space.

[GraybeardAv]

Problem with the hitch carrier is you may not be able to open the rear hatch.

I'm towing a mini trailer from Northern Ill to SoCalif, writing this from Silt, Colo, about half way. I can hardly tell the trailer is back there, except in reverse.

GB

[vindctar]

I recently carried 4 suitcases (~100 kg. total) secured with a nylon rope, on my 1996 W's roof without a problem (at 65 MPH, 4 hr. drive).

[Flyingjackal456]

I have a tray that I almost never use... I believe it's rated 300 lbs. It's for a Class 3 Reciever... if anyone's interested I'll negotiate a price. (Don't know about shipping, but we'll see)

[quark_man]

this van is the first vehicle I have with a hitch. What are these classes associated with the receiver? is it size? (class 3 = 3" on the side?)