How much weight can my roof support?

[xj220]

I'm sure I already know the answer, but I'd rather double check just to be safe. Is my roof strong enough for two people to sit on it, say in the front right above the windshield? The reason is I like going the local drag strip, but instead of sitting in the stands I'd rather sit on my car and watch from there. It's a 00 4dr. Thanks.

 

[spindlecone]

I'm sure I already know the answer, but I'd rather double check just to be safe. Is my roof strong enough for two people to sit on it, say in the front right above the windshield? The reason is I like going the local drag strip, but instead of sitting in the stands I'd rather sit on my car and watch from there. It's a 00 4dr. Thanks.

Would think it depends on how much you wiegh

 

[IAmTodd]

I'd sit on the back too. You'd atleast be able to drive home if it crushed

 

[95limited]

I just can't see sitting on the roof as a good thing. Even if the roof will hold your weight, I would be concerned about denting the hood or finders getting on and off the roof. I would also worry about dirt that would be ground into the paint by your butts.
If you want better seats, go to Costco and buy two multi ladders and also buy a thick plank of wood. You could adjust the ladders to the height you want and put the plank between them.

 

[dman726749]

i have sat in my basket before....wasnt very comfy

 

[expo5.0]

i have sat on my roof before at car shows (benefit of being in primer for such a long time)

 

[gijoecam]

IIRC, isn't the roof rack rated for 200 lbs evenly distributed? I would say that 200 lbs of my butt doesn't count as 'distributed'.....

-Joe

 

[DeRocha]

While the OEM roof racks are only rated for a 100lbs or so the roof is a structural member designed to carry the weight of the vehicle. On several occasions I have taken the bars off my OEM rack and carried 300lbs+ with zero probs...

All that being said while the roof is a structural member it will dent if enough force is applied. As such I would certainly not sit anywhere near the windshield as any flexing of the roof can potentially cause a leak in the windshield seal. ...

 

[GJarrett]

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=119908

 

[gijoecam]

While the OEM roof racks are only rated for a 100lbs or so the roof is a structural member designed to carry the weight of the vehicle. On several occasions I have taken the bars off my OEM rack and carried 300lbs+ with zero probs...

All that being said while the roof is a structural member it will dent if enough force is applied. As such I would certainly not sit anywhere near the windshield as any flexing of the roof can potentially cause a leak in the windshield seal. ...

Yeah, while you are correct, I was assuming he meant to ask how much it would hold without denting.... sure, it'll hold him and his buddy, but whether it will do so without leaving any permanent marks is debatable.

That being said, if I was going to try it, I'd attach a piece of 3/4" plywood across the main rails to distribute the load even further. It wouldn't be pretty, but I'm always leery about putting stuff up there.

-Joe

 

[ozzyexplorer]

dont do it