KevininSD

I've seen this topic brought up a couple times, but I have a slightly different question.

I have a 2001 AWD RX300 with the factory rails. I can clearly see the the weight limit for the factory roof racks is 75 lbs. I'm wondering how strict this limit is... What would happen if I put 100 or 125 lbs on the racks? What's the limiting factor?

I would like to put a Yakima or Thule cargo box on top and see that each of those weigh approx. 50 lbs (leaving only 25 lbs for cargo). I'm trying to avoid needing to buy the Thule or Yakima roof racks adding $300 to my bill but bringing my weight limit to 125 lbs. I already have a bike rack on the hitch so putting a box there is out.

JAB

Is that 75 pounds per bar, or total distributed over two bars?

KevininSD

According to the label on the crossbar it says 75lbs distributed. I assume that means across both bars.

bob2200

From an engineering perspective, vehicle speed and aerodynamic cross-section likely would be factors. Certainly, they don't mean 75 pounds, just sitting at the curb. (I'm a retired engineer). I don't think there are any charts of weight limit vs. speed and aerodynamic loading. I don't recall anybody writing in about rack failure due to overloading (or anything else), to help gauge where the upper limit is.

Raoul

Four of us and a dog took the RX on a trip.
The dog got the back area so the luggage went up on top in one of those square bags with tie down straps.

I guesstimate at least 100lbs on the roof between the rails. The bag weighed about five pounds if that.
The wind for 1400 miles took a toll and the front rail has a slight bow in it now, the rear doesn't.

No other issues.

KevininSD

Thanks for all feedback. I've done some research and it appears the cross-bars themselves are the limiting factor in the max load figure. Using Thule racks, mounted in the factory tracks, Thule states the max weight is 165 lbs. Yakima also sells crossbars, but their crossbars mount in the door jams. Yakima stated a max. weight of 125 lbs using their system.

I ultimately decided to go with the Thule rack kit as it had the cleanest fit and supported the maximum weight.