How are Roof Cargo Baskets Weight Rated
Question:
I was wondering how vehicle roof basket manufacturers determine the maximum weight rating for their products. I have a 2005 Honda Pilot. When I take my family glamping, I have approximately 300 lbs of gear I could pile on the top. Is the determining factor the attachment U-bolts, or the strength of the basket itself? Or is the crossbar load bearing strength the main factor here? In the past, Ive probably loaded at least 200 lbs on the top of my Pilot in a cargo bag, and then traveled about 2000 mile round trip without a problem. So my vehicle is certainly capable of handling the weight. I suspect most weight limitations are more CYA than anything else. Please advise.
asked by: Grant T
Expert Reply:
Weight capacities for cargo baskets are determined by the lowest rated component of the basket. Since the capacity of anything is only as good as it's weakest link the lowest rated component becomes the overall capacity.
Most vehicles do not have a 200 lb roof capacity so I would strongly recommend you check the owners manual of your vehicle to determine what is listed there as the roof capacity. Just because you have gotten away with carrying 200 lbs before does not mean you would be okay to do it forever if you do have a lower rating.
Most roof baskets like the part # RMCB that you referenced have around a 165 lb capacity.
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Rhino-Rack Roof Mounted Steel Cargo Basket - 47" Long x 35" Wide - 165 lbs
- Roof Basket
- Cargo Basket
- Aero Bars
- Factory Bars
- Round Bars
- Square Bars
- Short Length
- Steel
- Small Capacity
- Black
- Rhino Rack
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Shop: Roof Rack
- Shop: Custom DK Fit Kit for 4 Rhino-Rack 2500 Series Roof Rack Legs - Naked Roof
- Shop: Rhino-Rack Roof Mounted Steel Cargo Basket - 57" Long x 42" Wide - 165 lbs
- Shop: Rhino-Rack Vortex Aero Crossbars - Aluminum - Black - 49" Long - Qty 2
- Shop: Rhino-Rack Roof Mounted Steel Cargo Basket - 47" Long x 35" Wide - 165 lbs
- Search Results: roof rack
- Video: Choosing the Right Trailer Wiring
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between a Class II and a Class III Hitch?
- Article: Rooftop Cargo Carriers
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Search Results: rhino rack
- Q&A: Comparing Thule AeroBlade Crossbars vs WingBar Evo Crossbars
- Shop: etrailer Hitch Pin Alignment Collar for Hitch Accessories - 2" Hitches
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Article: How to Choose the Right Trailer Hitch Class
- Search Results: hitch
- Article: Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)
- Video: Thule WingBar Evo Crossbars Review
- Q&A: What Roof Rack Kits Will Work with the RetraxPRO XR Hard Tonneau Covers
- Shop: Rhino-Rack Vortex Aero Crossbars - Aluminum - Black - 54" Long - Qty 2
- Search Results: trailer hitch
- Shop: Suspension Enhancement
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Q&A: Recommended Roof Rack for Sky One-Touch Power Top on 2020 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited
- Shop: Rhino-Rack Roof Rack for Thule and Yakima Tracks - 2 Heavy-Duty Crossbars - Black - 65" Long
- Search Results: cargo carrier
- Video: Thule WingBar Edge Crossbars Review
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between a 4-Way and 7-Way Trailer Connector
- Shop: Brake Controller
- Article: Roof Rack Information
on Roof Basket
