Roof weight for cargo bag

[scottyja]

I'm going to be doing a road trip and wanted to get a bag that connects to the roof rails. It looks like most of the soft-bags attach to the roof rack, but rest on the roof itself. Is this is a concern? I looked in the manual for my Pilot *2006) but could not find a weight limit anywhere.

Anyone know how much weight the roof can really support?

[bigdadi]

You should have 2 cross bars installed then you can get a board connects to front and rear cross bars so the bag won't rest on the roof. Another choice is to get a hard shell plastic box, attached to cross bars, that you can put stuffs inside.

http://www.lakelandgear.com/rooftop-...cargo-box.html

[bigdadi]

I know what you mean now I saw 3 different size like that and possible resting on roof or weight was distributed to 2 side railings

http://www.rackoutfitters.com/car-ra...o-Bags-c13.htm

[bigdadi]

Page 194 on owner manual only shows load limit

The maximumload for your vehicle limit:
is 1,158 lbs (525 kg). This figure
includes the total weight of all
occupants, cargo, and accessories,
and the tongue load if you are towing
a trailer.

[N_Jay]

The 75 LB rating on the rack is about vehicle stability not the strength of the rack.

Anything heavy on the roof GREATLY affects vehicle handling.

I would not worry about the weight as long as the overall car is not overloaded, but I would worry about how it would handle in an emergency situation.

I have taken long trips with probably 200 LB or more on the roof, but it is in 4 to 5 smaller bags to keep the weight low.

[scottyja]

Originally posted by N_Jay

I have taken long trips with probably 200 LB or more on the roof, but it is in 4 to 5 smaller bags to keep the weight low.

It may sound like a silly question, but no problems with denting or cave-ins? I guess I shouldn't be surprised the roof is well reinforced. I just worry about some sort of permanent damage.

[N_Jay]

Originally posted by scottyja


It may sound like a silly question, but no problems with denting or cave-ins? I guess I shouldn't be surprised the roof is well reinforced. I just worry about some sort of permanent damage.

The only dents in the roof are from my son (150 LB probably at the time) standing on the roof to get a bike off the hooks on the ceiling of the garage, and they are not much more than dings.

Finger that was something over 300 LB per sq-ft.

200 LB over a 3X3 area is just over 20 lb per sq-ft.

Again, unless you are dropping something on the roof, or have sharp points that take a lot of the load, you have nothing to worry about damage wise.

Keep in mind the stability issues.

[scottyja]

Originally posted by N_Jay

Again, unless you are dropping something on the roof, or have sharp points that take a lot of the load, you have nothing to worry about damage wise.

Keep in mind the stability issues.

Thanks for info, it really helps. When you mention stability, I assume it's a top-heavy issue when moving side to side, or a wind-drag issue?

Either way, something good to watch out for.

[bigdadi]

This 13' cu. Thule is very economical, foldable (not in use). What it needs are 2 raised racks, I think.

Load the soft & light stuffs (clothes, linen) in this cargo bag, and leave the heavy one into the trunk part of Pilot, thus no worry about the roof being dent.

http://www.lakelandgear.com/thule-qu...-ft-th846.aspx

[bigdadi]

also good price at $99.00
confirm 2 cross bars OR 2 raised roof racks OR on a basket.
Weather proof but don't know can withstand pouring rain

[scottyja]

Thanks for all the information, biddadi. Now I'm second guessing and wondering if I should do a hard shell box like the first post you had shows. Would be a hassle with the garage, though.

[bigdadi]

With your question it broadens my research and knowledge re this cargo bag, skibox stuffs. I may buy one also if needed since 2 OEM raised roof rack will do, no need the cost of adding of 2 cross bars.

[Josey92]

I've actually used the bag that you listed, fully loaded I might add, with and without the crossbars. I have Thule crossbars when I used with, not OEM. The straps hold the bag on with almost no difference with or without the crossbars. The crossbars probably reduce fore and aft motions when slowing down/speeding up.

The bag sits right on the roof in both cases and I have never had it damage the top - not even a scratch. The bottom of the bag has a softer nylon that prevents the scratching. I will assume though that always using it without crossbars would probably cause surface wear from the fore/aft movement. BTW, water resistance is top notch. For some reason most of my trips with the bag have been through torrential rains and the contents cam out a little damp but never wet.

FYI, I now have a cargo box for my MB and it greatly reduces the wind noise and increases aerodynamics which in turn reduces fuel consumption. Used the bag over Xmas from MI to NY and ended up with about 12.5mpg. Just used the cargo box this weekend and came back with 17.9mpg. Problem is storage when not in use -- especially in NYC. The bag was great for this because it folds away when not in use.

Here's a pic of the box. Hope this helps.

[bigdadi]

as for aerodynamic, fuel saving ... how about this cargo bag at the back? It does block the lic. plate I don't know whether state trooper will stop you because of that...

The PackRight Cargo Saddlebag is a rugged cargo carrier that suspends from your vehicle's luggage rack. It can attach to a cross bar or your rack's side rails. The Saddlebag has a plastic insert that fits in the bottom of the bag to provide strength and structure. It allows for easy loading and access to your gear, hanging low on the back of your vehicle. The Cargo Saddlebag produces no aerodynamic drag so your gas mileage stays where it ought to be. In comparison, car top cargo systems will lower your gas mileage 5 mpg on average.

The Cargo Saddlebag is made of Hydrotuff material, a vinyl backed, UV and water resistant polyester, just like PackRight's car top carriers. The bag holds 14 cu ft of gear which is about the same size as a medium car trunk. Each Saddlebag includes two bottom straps which attach to your bumper, hitch, or something down below. Also included is a long support strap that can either tighten around the bag and back door like a belt or go under the bag and up to the front cross bar to help distribute the weight load. The maximum load for the bag is about 100 lbs or the weight limit of your luggage rack.

Instructions for use are sewn inside the bag for easy accessibility. If you have a luggage rack (either side rails or cross bars) and you have a distance of 40" between your rear tail lights, you can use the Saddlebag. Perfect for SUVs, minivans, and crossovers.

http://www.lakelandgear.com/pack-rig...-lgsaddle.aspx

[sblvro]

I have used this which sits flushed on the cross bars.