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Weight on top

Posted: Mon Feb 09, 2015 6:37 pm
by billmccaff
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How much weight do you think I can safely drive with on top of my rack

Re: Weight on top

Posted: Mon Feb 09, 2015 7:04 pm
by HenryJ
Does the rack manufacturer have a rating?

Re: Weight on top

Posted: Mon Feb 09, 2015 7:26 pm
by billmccaff
1000 pounds. But I don't think that includes driving

Re: Weight on top

Posted: Mon Feb 09, 2015 7:29 pm
by billmccaff
My kayaks are about 100 pounds together. If I got one of those roof top tents you recommended it would put me over 225 pounds just worried about it tipping

Re: Weight on top

Posted: Mon Feb 09, 2015 9:05 pm
by billmccaff
I know that 225 isn't verry much but with roof top weight I heard even a little can effect your trucks center of gravity

Re: Weight on top

Posted: Mon Feb 09, 2015 9:27 pm
by michaelhrgn
Some over load springs or air bags would keep you In control on the high way

Re: Weight on top

Posted: Mon Feb 09, 2015 9:29 pm
by HenryJ
Oh it will affect the center of gravity. How much and if it will be tolerable for what you do and where you go will likely be for you to decide.
I can say that there are many that travel with similar gear up top.

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Jack had a couple totes and gas cans up top with his RTT. His rig sits much taller and it was very manageable. I can honestly say that kayaks and a RTT would not scare me. That said I am somewhat conservative and err to the side of caution.
I think what would worry me more is the wind resistance. Then there is the fact that you have to pack it all up to move the truck. Having had a RTT on a trailer, Hands down I would do that again. Not good for family, but two is fantastic.

Re: Weight on top

Posted: Tue Feb 10, 2015 7:42 am
by _STUCKY
HJ, is that a 96ish land cruiser? Girlfriend wants an suv, but claims those are "too old". Silly woman.

I'd have to agree with everything rabbit and HJ said. Only thing I'd add is don't cheap out on shocks, and maybe go for the Boise Springworks kit or make your own. In stock trim, an s10 would blow all over the road with a bunch of stuff on top. There's a thread around here somewhere with a guy that used air bags for hualing a trailer, don't recall who, but he did it cleanly.

Is your rack attached to anything in front of the bed? I'm thinking weight distribution

Re: Weight on top

Posted: Tue Feb 10, 2015 8:46 am
by billmccaff
It's attached to the front and back of the bed

Re: Weight on top

Posted: Tue Feb 10, 2015 6:18 pm
by HenryJ
_STUCKY wrote:HJ, is that a 96ish land cruiser? Girlfriend wants an suv, but claims those are "too old". Silly woman...
That is the legendary "White TLC" , owned by Jack of 4wdTrips.net
Awesome rig. Not sure of the year, but I am sure it is on his website or forum somewhere.
It might even be for sale. It has been just sitting for several years now I believe. The leather seat covers need to be replaced :( No time for trips and that is the only time it gets to go :(

I concur on the wind and sway issues. I ran with my sway bar disconnected and it was somewhat awkward. Not scary bad , but very noticeable. The urethane sway bar bushings help that out quite a bit.