W463 roof load rating?

[ILIAN]

Does anyone know what the roof load rating is for a w463 or specifically for a 2000 G500? I always try to keep roof weight to a minimum but would like to know what the MB engineers specified. Thanks!

 

[DUTCH]

Not sure what the "official" number is; but my wife and I have slept in a roof tent up there with no problems. Tent was probably 150-200 lbs, wife is 120 lbs and I'm 260 lbs. The tent was mounted on three crossbars for a total of six contact points in the rain gutters.

 

[Johnny Christensen]

Mercedes is rating the G to 150kg roofload, based on handling of the vehicle. If the vehicle is stationary a LOT more can be loaded.
I seem to remember a few select 461 configurations where 200kg roofload. Possibly those models with rear swaybar?

 

[ILIAN]

Thanks guys. I wanted to have an idea of what they considered safe with stock suspension. I will try not to go above 300lb including the roof rack.

 

[otiswesty]

Otto:

 

[digitaldelay]

Probably best to go as light as possible for the roof (like any vehicle). Looks like MB would rather you didn't put anything up there.

Jason

 

[burquedoka]

Probably best to go as light as possible for the roof (like any vehicle). Looks like MB would rather you didn't put anything up there.

Jason

Blah blah blah legal jargon disclaimer bs.. Full length rack, ladder, awning, large RTT, two loaded pelican cases, and on occasion when needed, a jerry can of petrol. Sure you can feel it up there when cornering, but the G handles it JUST FINE. Don't worry about it.

 

[digitaldelay]

Full length rack, ladder, awning, large RTT, two loaded pelican cases, and on occasion when needed, a jerry can of petrol.

Yikes! Might I suggest a Zetros?

Jason

 

[burquedoka]

I'm more of a Mog guy, but thanks for the recommendation.
All kidding aside, I have a lot of off road miles under my belt with my trusty G in its family Wagen configuration. If your looking for real world experience, I gave it honestly.

 

[digitaldelay]

I have a lot of off road miles under my belt with my trusty G in its family Wagen configuration. If your looking for real world experience, I gave it honestly.

Oh, for sure. It's all about adjusting driving style. Love the G's.

Jason

 

[Vegard_S]

As far as I know all LWB G's (both W460, w461, w462(!) and w463) are rated for a roof load of 200kg. I myself have a w460, and the registration papers did not have any info about the roof load. But after contacting the Norwegian Mercedes importer they confirmed that it straight out of the factory is rated for a roof load of 200kg, a trailer hitch load of 140kg and a trailer tow weight of 3500kg. All LWB versions of the G can be registered like this in Norway.

 

[ILIAN]

I always try to keep the weight up there as low as possible. Heavy steel bumpers front and rear and transfer case skid plate and having spacers on the wheels should help.

 

[Scott Brady]

I would limit it to 150 lbs. of distributed load. I only have a Front Runner roof rack and few lights up there. The rack is used for sleeping and photography, and as reserve capacity should another vehicle on the trip become disabled.