Roof Load Ratings Explained
The Basics:
There are two loads types discussed online and by vehicle manufacturers - These are:
Static load (when tour not moving)
Dynamic load (load whilst travelling).
The Static loads on most 4wd vehicles are enormous - (Maybee over 500kgs) - of course they vary vehicle to vehicle - But 'Static' loads relate to the weight required to collapse the roof - For the purposes of Roof racks and Touring equipment loads - It is fair to say that we can disregard Static Loads as being far greater than the weight of any rack / tent and occupants. -(Aside from the Jeep JK Wrangler and other plastic/soft tops )
Dynamic loads are the Important ones...
Dynamic Load ratings are generated by vehicle manufacturers and Engineers after vehicles are built and relate to swerve testing/ braking distances and vehicle stability when cornering.
In my opionion - These ratings have been getting smaller and smaller as vehicle safety standards continue to improve - Perhaps its to ensure less chance of rollover and to shorten breaking distances. (The Lighter the vehicle the easer it is to stop. )Again - Just my opinion - There may be many other factors too....
Tough Touring Racks - Our work to improve safety
WE've designed our racks to sit as low as we can - some sit around 80mm lower than other racks on the market -to lower the 'up high weight of RTT, and thus lower the' centre of gravity...
Or Racks are also Lightweight - The Range coming in between 2 and 38kgs...
As far as the vehicles handling goes - we've also positioned the mounts of the racks forward where possible to improve the vehicles cornering ability whilst carrying roof loads . Especially evident on Dual Cab utes.
Common vehicle upgrades / enhancements to counder roof load weight that Customers will consider.
Load Rated Off road Tyres with Heavy 8+ Ply sidewalls - Prevent a lot of play through the vehicle when driving on uneven surfaces - and certainly reduce body roll.
Offset rims - 'Steelies' - I run 25mm wider than standard wheels to increase the vehicles stance and stability - These are within the manufacturers allowable guidelines and improve vehicle 'stance' by widening the track.
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Aftermarket Suspension Upgrades - quality heavy duty suspension, GVM Upgrades - 2" Lift can dramatically improve a vehicles drive off and on the road
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Insurance and Overloaded roof limits - My Opinion
In the Event that a vehicle rolls over though speed / dangerous driving combined with overloaded /top heavy loads - I'd only makes sense that Insurance companies could find reason not to pay out. - Always drive safely. Adding weight to your vehicle is always going to mean its performace is reduced. Drive accordingly - Lower your speed, increase breaking distance and reduce the counter bevel surfaces your going to tackle. Walk everything first. And keep your family and friends safety at the No1 priority.
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