Car Luggage Carriers

If I go a few pounds above the maximum load weight for my roof rack, is it still safe?

The maximum load is 100lbs, and well I have two kayaks that weigh 50lbs each along with the system to hold my kayaks which is about 5lbs. So would it be safe to put 105lbs on a 100lbs rated roof rack?

Public Comments

1. yes the 100lbs limit is a safety margin the rack itself can hold more then that
2. yeah they just say 100 lbs just to make sure its not to much and they know people might go five or ten pounds over. It could probably hold about 130 lbs but i wouldnt go over 110 lbs.
3. If something breaks you would have no recourse. They have a load limit for a reason.
4. i dont think you will have any problems at all
5. yes you still safe,usually rack maker put more extra more lbs.
6. Yes, it's OK. They always rate below the actual value because of all the idiots who really overdo it.
7. Sure, that will work fine. In fact, with the wind resistance factored in, that rack will probably be resisting around 500 pounds of shearing force in addition to the weight of the load. The limit is more of a guideline telling what is generally to be 'safe', a.k.a. the point after which any failure is no longer covered by your manufacturer's warranty. It's there for the idiots who try to carry a hatchback on their roof rack, not normal situations such as the one you describe.