Roof Load
Thread Starter
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 17
Likes: 0
From: georgia
Roof Load
We have a 2020 RX with just the streamlined bars either side along the length of the vehicle, no cross members.
Is it OK to put luggage on the roof bearing directly on the surface?
Will be using a cargo bag strapped through the rear doors and a pad underneath to protect the surface.
It's a little unclear to me whether the 150lb weight limit assumes some kind of roof rack that brings the load to (reinforced?) sides
Thanks
Is it OK to put luggage on the roof bearing directly on the surface?
Will be using a cargo bag strapped through the rear doors and a pad underneath to protect the surface.
It's a little unclear to me whether the 150lb weight limit assumes some kind of roof rack that brings the load to (reinforced?) sides
Thanks
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 1,190
Likes: 824
From: Vancouver BC
im 99% sure its fine to exceed that weight restriction. Im not even sure why they have that weight restriction as the car is designed to withstand supporting its entire weight on its roof in case of a rollover.
https://bestride.com/news/woman-walk...s-rx-350-video
https://bestride.com/news/woman-walk...s-rx-350-video
Pit Crew
Joined: Dec 2019
Posts: 194
Likes: 121
From: CA
It's dynamic vs static load. If the vehicle hits a bump on the road, something with a static weight of 150 lbs can exert a dynamic force much greater than 150 lbs.
This is similar to (or opposite of?) the rating on waterproof watches. A watch is rated (static) waterproofed to 50m does not necessarily mean the watch will be OK if it is worn by a diver down to 50m.
This is similar to (or opposite of?) the rating on waterproof watches. A watch is rated (static) waterproofed to 50m does not necessarily mean the watch will be OK if it is worn by a diver down to 50m.
Last edited by pentaprism; Aug 23, 2022 at 12:07 PM.
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 1,190
Likes: 824
From: Vancouver BC
It's dynamic vs static load. If the vehicle hits a bump on the road, something with a static weight of 150 lbs can exert a dynamic force much greater than 150 lbs.
This is similar to (or opposite of?) the rating on waterproof watches. A watch is rated (static) waterproofed to 50m does not necessarily mean the watch will be OK if it is worn by a diver down to 50m.
This is similar to (or opposite of?) the rating on waterproof watches. A watch is rated (static) waterproofed to 50m does not necessarily mean the watch will be OK if it is worn by a diver down to 50m.
It might just be the roof rails themselves are rated at 150lbs. not the roof structure.
Intermediate
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 250
Likes: 160
From: WI
We put 2 fairly heavy kayaks on our Rx350 roof regularly with no problems. You luggage is going to be lighter than that. That being said, I wouldn't put anything directly on the roof and risk scratching the paint even with padding. Every time you hit a bump or hit the brakes, it will likely slide a little on the painted surface. If you are going to carry anything on the roof, get some crossbars and the proper roof carrying equipment (storage boxes, etc.). They are not that expensive if you can afford a $50k car.
Pole Position
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 2,226
Likes: 904
From: Ontario
I don't think the roof panel itself is rated for ANY load what so ever. The load rating is for anything that is supported by the roof rails.
No car can support any load on the roof panel. That is a thin sheet metal they easily bends.
No car can support any load on the roof panel. That is a thin sheet metal they easily bends.
Pit Crew
Joined: Mar 2020
Posts: 177
Likes: 48
From: IL
If I may be so bold, where did you get your engineering degree?
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
joe311
RX - 4th Gen (2016-2022)
139
Mar 3, 2026 09:48 AM
Surfy
LX - 3rd Gen (2008-2021)
0
Mar 10, 2021 06:34 AM