Roof rack

[Tee Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close Tee]

Hi, I'm new to 4WDing and have bought our first 4X4 car, a Prado 3-dr ZR. We want to take this wonderful machine around Aust camping most of the way. There is a problem however, as we intend to stay in the bush for considerable time, it has limited space to bring the usual camp-away-from-home things (fridge, generator, etc). I'm looking at carrying a roof top tent and a couple of jerry cans on the roof, plus other bits and pieces (light weight stuff) - about 110kg, including the carrier. I guess, we will have to add another 130kg body weight when we get up to spend the night in the tent.

Here comes the problem, the max weight allowed on the roof rails, including the carrier, is 80kg. A local fit-out shop suggests the factory roof rails be removed and bolt the carrier tray/basket straight on to the roof. By doing so, he said it would increase the carrying capacity to 150kg and a size of 180cmX120cm carrier tray/basket can be fitted.

We are not towing a trailer.

Can anyone pls give me some advice if this is the right thing to do. Would like to hear any suggestions you may have. I have seen photos of 4WD's campers with plenty of heavy stuff on the roof. Just wondering how they overcome the weight limit problem. Thanks.
Tee

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Re: Roof rack

Here comes the problem, the max weight allowed on the roof rails, including the carrier, is 80kg. A local fit-out shop suggests the factory roof rails be removed and bolt the carrier tray/basket straight on to the roof. By doing so, he said it would increase the carrying capacity to 150kg and a size of 180cmX120cm carrier tray/basket can be fitted.

Assuming that the 150 series is similar to the 120, then you can increase the roof storage capacity by removing the factory roof rails and bolt on some rhinoracks http://rhinorack.com.au/Vehicle_TOYOTA_Prado_4519.aspx. I don't know how many mounting points are on the 3 door but if it has 6, 3 on each side, then the load rating goes up to 100kg (again, assuming that the 150 is similar to the 120 - check your manual).

You can then bolt on a tray and fit your roof tent and sundry. However, if it is possible to fit the roof tent witout the tray and bolt it directly to 2 crossbars, then there would be some weight savings. You then need to work out how to carry the other stuff by making a custom tray that attaches to the roof tent and 3rd crossbar.

I have seen photos of 4WD's campers with plenty of heavy stuff on the roof. Just wondering how they overcome the weight limit problem.

The weight limit is there to prevent people raising the CofG of the vehicle too high. It is also there to prevent people overloading the roof with too much weight that in the event of an emergency stop, the roof racks breaks off the mounting points. In the event of an incident claim, if it was found that the roof was overloaded and contributed to the incident, then your insurance company would deny the claim.

So if you wanted to carry 110kg, you would have to take 10kg off and store it inside the car. You may want to consider making a custom carrier that fits onto the towbar and use that to carry 50kg. If you are carrying fuel in the jerry cans, you may want to consider carrying the entire 110kg up on the roof but start to empty the 1st jerry can at your earliest oppurtunity.

[Tee Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close Tee]

Re: Roof rack

Hi amts, Thanks for the advice. At this stage, I'm more incline to take your advice about the different weights it can carry with respect to the configuration. The fit-out shop, whom I might say is very reputable in this part of the world is saying an adequately designed carrier in aluminium and utilising the 6 bolting points can carry 150kg. It might well be true, but as you said, the balance with the raised CofG could be a legal point of contention in case of an incident.

In the meantime, I'll utilise the existing factory roof-rails just for the rooftop tent for our first trip in July. It's only going to be a short trip to see how well the car handles.

Thanks again for the advice.
Regards,
Tee

[Dulcie Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close Dulcie]

Re: Roof rack

Hi Tee,

I bought a Rhino Pioneer Alloy Platform rack from Autobarn but got it delivered to my local Toyota Service centre to install so I could strap on my Oztent when I go camping. They did a great job.

The other thing I like about the Pioneer Alloy Platform rack is the bolt on accessories you can add as needed. I have to get a couple of jerry can holders for a trip at Easter, biggest decision is whether to get the Horizontal, or Vertical jerry can holders..! 8)

The good thing is I can still park her in the garage with about a half inch clearance under the tilt door lock, except when the fuel tank gets closer to empty, then the back sits up more and she scrapes the door lock slightly but I just dump my recovery gear in the back, which weighs a tonne, until I'm ready to fill her up...! :lol:

Cheers
Dulcie