IsNYC

Hello all,

I don't have my manual handy. Please can someone advise how much weight the roof rack can hold? I'm deciding whether I should get a bike rack for the roof or whether I should buy a hitch plus hitch rack. Do you think the roof rack can hold 3 bikes (approx 25+25+30=75lbs for the bikes + whatever the rack weighs)?

Any good deals on racks/hitches?

Thanks!

rxdriver

There might be a sticker on one of the crossbars.

The RX330 manual says 75 pounds, and I believe the RX300 is the same.

mikey00

It's 75# for the RX300. I don't think it's in the manual but it is in the FAQs at the top of this forum. I had to make the same decision a few years ago. To haul 3 bikes I bought a HiddenHitch 70777 and a Yakima Roc'N Gate bike rack. Whole set up cost over $500. Our needs changed and I only used it once to haul our bikes down to the outer banks. I may sell it now.

Lextranny

I thought I read on the manual 150lbs limit. RX330.

IsNYC

Thanks for the replies fellas.

Would the weight limit be in regards to the crossbars or the actual rack that is attached to the roof? Would I be in better shape if I remove the crossbars and purchase a rack with it's own crossbars that attach to the rack?

Thanks again.

salimshah

My 2cents ...

Go the hitch way and forget the roof-rack. Only the sides of the roof are accessable even then you need to be 6ft +. To carry bikes on the hitch, you do not need the electrical (turn/stop/night_light) set-up. The only draw-back is that you will bot be able to open the rear-hatch. [I think I have seen hitch attachements that fold out of the way .. $$].

Salim

mikey00

The Yakima Roc"N Gate I mentioned above swings out of the way to open the rear hatch.
As far as replacing the factory bars, be careful with Thule. I have a SilverSport which has the factory painted bars and I carry a small cartop carrier. I did not want to mess up my painted bars so I purchased some Thule replacements. I was not comfortable with the way they snaped into the Lexus factory track and ended up returing them. I went back to using the Lexus bars and just protect them well when using the box.

HarrierAWD

It depends on the price. The cheap ones ($100 or so) don't fold or swing away. The more expensive ones (about $300) do.

The downside of using hitch-mount bike rack is that the bikes can get really dusty if you drive the RX on dirt roads to get to your biking trail. The dust mixes in the chain grease and can be really nasty when shifting. Keep that in mind if you do mostly mountain trail biking. If you want to keep the bikes clean, mount'em on the roof (though not as convenient as hitch-mount.) Tip: Step on the top of the rear tires when mounting bikes.

IsNYC

You just sealed it for me. I never even thought of the dust...the roof it is. Thanks!

HarrierAWD

Dust is not a problem unless you drive the RX on a dirt road. I used to live in NYC and didn't have such problem until I moved to Colorado.

benjeeta

Hi! I've been researching this for my 2006 Lexus RX400h, and the Yakima roof rack fitting website will tell you automatically what your roof rack weight limit is. For my vehicle, which has OEM factory roof rails, the limit is 165lbs

Margate330

5 sheets of 1/2" sheetrock is my current record so far lol
I laid it on a couple 2x4's with L brackets wired to the rook racks and roped down good and only went 25 mph on back roads home for 2 miles.

biff44

what it is rated at, and what it will hold, are two different things.
i have had a boatload of weight up there!!
i usually use a ratchet strap or two, thru the back door with the doors open, tightened up, then close the two doors, it ain't going anywhere then.