Why are So Many Roof Racks Rated Only for 165 lbs

Published 12/28/2018

Products Featured in This Question

Thule SquareBar Evo Crossbars - Steel - 53" Long - Qty 2

(272)

$184.09

Thule WingBar Evo Crossbars - Aluminum - Black - 43" Long - Qty 2

(1280)

$279.95

Thule ProBar Evo Crossbars - Aluminum - 69" Long - Qty 2

(48)

$199.95

Question:

why do so many racks have the same/similar weight limits? is there some law that says they cant exceed 165lb?

asked by: Edmund

Expert Reply:

The reason the majority of roof racks out there right now (December 2018) are rated for 165 lbs is because for the longest time there was no reason to test them past that point. It is very rare to find a vehicle with a roof weight rating that is over 165 lbs so the max weight rating for entire roof rack systems just kind of stopped right there.

With that being said, roof rack manufacturers have recently been looking into testing their systems at higher weights to see what they can hold. For example, Thule just release their SquareBar Evo # TH712400, ProBar Evo # TH713600 and WingBar Evo # TH711120 crossbars which have all been tested for up to 220 lbs of weight. The thing to keep in mind though is that even if the roof rack is rated for up to 220 lbs if the vehicle has a lower roof weight rating then you are still limited to the lower rating. We have heard rumors of other roof rack manufacturers coming out with higher rated systems as well.

If you let me know the year/make/model of your vehicle I can see if Thule has a fit yet for your vehicle with this updated system.

expert reply by: Jon G