RTT on top of basket on stock roof rack?

[java]

Bad idea? I don't want to take the basket off since it has lights and antennas on it and the tent will probably end up on a trailer but we want to try it out for a weekend. It with be mostly pavement travel but a few hundred miles each way. Its a 4th gen 4runner

 

[bmh]

Is the roof rack sturdy? If it is, then I think you should be fine. I have no experience, but if the stock roof rack is solid enough...

 

[java]

I think the stock rack is decent. I've stood in the basket with no issues at 220lbs. Just worried about the torque the tent has on top of the basket.

 

[Titanpat57]

I'd be concerned about lateral forces, sudden stops, and such.

The cross bars (the bars running perpendicular to the rails)are generally the weak link....the cross bars are only rated at 130#'s..:Wow1:....but I think the actual rails themselves (in my case a 5th gen TE 4runner) will hold much more. If you look at the Rocky Road roof rack it looks very substantial. I do think the roof bars themselves are capable of different ratings. Check all connections first, the strength can only be as strong as the bolts holding it down.

 

[java]

I'd be concerned about lateral forces, sudden stops, and such.

The cross bars (the bars running perpendicular to the rails)are generally the weak link....the cross bars are only rated at 130#'s..:Wow1:....but I think the actual rails themselves (in my case a 5th gen TE 4runner) will hold much more. If you look at the Rocky Road roof rack it looks very substantial. I do think the roof bars themselves are capable of different ratings. Check all connections first, the strength can only be as strong as the bolts holding it down.

That's what im worried about too. The basket attaches to the cross bars also. But the tent is about 100-120lbs

 

[Titanpat57]

Then I wouldn't exceed the payload for the crossbars.....it could be ugly having your RTT becoming airborn going down an interstate...

 

[java]

Yeah probably not a bad idea. Guess I might have to take the basket off