Technical answer
How much does a roof rack weigh, and why does it count?
Short answer
A roof rack's weight depends on its type and size, and the rack's weight plus everything on it must stay within the vehicle maker's roof limit; the table below lists Wedgetail rack weights by range from the product data. Trade Max crossbar kits sit at the light end and full-length platforms at the heavy end. The rack's own dynamic rating (most Wedgetail platforms are 100 or 150 kg dynamic, held 100% off-road) is what it can carry, so your gear allowance is the lower of that rating and the vehicle limit less the rack.
Facts from Wedgetail product data, updated .
- Rack weight
- Depends on type and size; listed by range below
- Counts against
- The vehicle maker's roof limit
- Rack rating
- What the rack carries, 100% off-road
- Gear allowance
- Lower of the rack rating, or the roof limit less the rack
Wedgetail rack weights by range
| Range | Rack weight | Solutions with a weight |
|---|---|---|
| Commercial Max | 22 to 70 kg | 37 of 211 |
| Trade Max | 4 to 23 kg | 23 of 72 |
| Wedgetail Adventure | 15 to 58 kg | 114 of 139 |
| Wedgetail Core | 28 to 36 kg | 11 of 11 |
| Wedgetail Trade | 30 to 50 kg | 56 of 60 |
Weights are per solution and change with the size of the rack and how it mounts. Oval Steel is not in the table because the product data has no Oval Steel weights: ask your stockist or the factory on (03) 9722 5000.
Why the rack's weight counts
The vehicle maker's roof limit covers everything on the roof, the rack included. The rack's rating is a separate figure: it is what the rack itself can carry. Two checks apply while driving:
- Your load is within the rack's dynamic rating. On a Wedgetail that rating holds 100% off-road, so there is no lower off-road figure to work out.
- The rack plus your load is within the vehicle maker's roof limit. Take the rack's weight off the limit first; what is left is your gear allowance.
Whichever check gives the smaller figure is the one you load to. The roof load limits table lists vehicle makers' figures where they are published.
Worked example
| Step | Example |
|---|---|
| Vehicle maker's dynamic roof limit | 80 kg |
| Less the rack's weight | 80 kg less 30 kg = 50 kg |
| Rack's dynamic rating | Higher than 50 kg |
| What you can load while driving | 50 kg: the vehicle limit, less the rack, is the lower figure |
On a vehicle with a low roof limit, a lighter rack leaves more for gear. On a vehicle with a high limit, the rack's rating is usually the figure that stops you.
Everything fixed to the rack counts too
- Awning and its brackets
- Rooftop tent and its mounting hardware
- Jerry can holders, spare wheel carrier, shovel and recovery track brackets
- Solar panel and its brackets
- Straps, load bars and anything else that stays on the roof
Add each one to the rack's weight before you work out what is left. How to load a roof rack safely covers balance and tie-down.
Parked: the static figure
Parked, the static rating applies, which is 3.5 x dynamic on every Wedgetail; see static vs dynamic ratings. For a rooftop tent, the tent and rack count against the dynamic figures while driving, and the tent plus the people in it against the static figures when parked. The rooftop tent roof rack guide works through the maths.
Questions people ask
How much does a roof rack weigh?
It depends on the type and size. Trade Max crossbar kits are at the light end and full-length platforms at the heavy end; the table above lists the range for each Wedgetail range.
Does the weight of the roof rack count towards the roof load limit?
Yes. The vehicle maker's roof limit includes the rack and everything fixed to it, so take the rack's weight off the limit to find your gear allowance.
How much weight can a roof rack hold?
Each Wedgetail solution has one dynamic rating; most platforms are rated 100 or 150 kg dynamic, held 100% off-road. The vehicle maker's roof limit, less the rack, can be lower, and the lower figure applies.
Does a rack on a canopy count against the cab roof limit?
No. A rack on a canopy or service body works to the canopy or body maker's rating and the rack's rating, not the cab roof figure.
Is an aluminium rack lighter than a steel one?
Usually, for the same size, but compare listed weights rather than the material. Wedgetail Adventure, Core and Trade are powder coated aluminium with glass reinforced nylon; Commercial Max and Oval Steel are steel.
Where do I find the weight of my exact rack?
Ask your stockist or the factory on (03) 9722 5000. The table above gives the weight range for each Wedgetail range.