roof rack

[BurbanAZ]

I have a 1992 k2500 suburban that came with the factory luggage rack on top, i want to build a roof rack that can hold a good amount id say atleast 500 lbs, so that if i want i can put our small 2 person tent up there and stay off the ground if i need to. Does anyone know what the rating of the luggage rack is? if its not rated high enough ill probably run tubs at the corners of the roof rack down along the body and bolt it to the frame. Anyone have any ideas? Im pretty sure u guys know what im talking about but heres a pic.

 

[BurbanAZ]

no guesses?

 

[bfdiesel]

Whatever the sheet metal can hold.

 

[Keitha]

Are you planning the weight capacity just to sleep up top, or to carry that weight while driving? 500lbs is, in my opinion, way too much weight on top while driving. If for sleeping etc, the roof should support it if you take precautions on weight distribution. Make sure you know where the structural roof supports are and support the load with those. Having said that, I really doubt that the factory rack will support that amount.

 

[BurbanAZ]

yea im talking about the weight of just sleeping, ill be keeping the loaded weight while moving to a minimum. Yea im guessing its just in there with like sheet metal screws or something so ill probably just run the tubing down to the frame like i was thinking so i know it will be strong enough

 

[Scott L]

Are going to put the tubes inside or out side the body? An interior cage with plates on top( to bolt the rack to through the roof) might be one way to go. The shorter the tubes the less they will flex.

 

[BurbanAZ]

i was thinking tubes on the outside, that way if i want to add anything later i can, also i wouldnt take up interrior room since i load it up when we go on tripes. Ill have to look at both options those right before i go to get supplies