[John Camp]

I'm a photographer, and I would like to be able to stand on the roof of my '04 GX470. The owner's manual says the max weight for the roof is 130 pounds, and I weight 190, and the weight of the camera and tripod, etc., would probably add another ten. What I'm wondering is:

1. Is the 130 weight limit intended to prevent top-heavy rollovers, or is that the actual weight with a safety margin that the roof will bear? (The second seems unlikely to me -- it'd have to bear a lot more than that to meet safety standards.)

2. I was thinking of attaching a sheet of formed 1-inch plywood to the luggage carrier cross-rails to distribute the weight (I wouldn't be standing directly on the sheet metal that way.) Or would the sheetmetal, with just a piece of plywood on it, carry the weight?

3. I've tried stowable step ladders, and they are inconvenient; I'm not really interested in alternative ways to get higher -- I just want to know about the roof.

Thanks,

JC

 

[Snow White IS]

I suppose if you find some way to distribute the weight more towards the edges of the roof rather then the center, then you may be able to pull it off without damaging the roof :dunno:

Edit: Nevermind, I looked at a pic of the GX and the roof rack is already designed to distribute the weight to the edges...

 

[VVT-i Owns]

Hmm, I really wouldn't recommend over loading the roof in anycase, you might damage the roof panel or event he crossmembers.

The roof is already strengthened by pattern running down it....or else it wouldn't hold any weight at all.

Solution: Get a chick that weights less than 130 to help u out. :

 

[IS300GGP]

I think the 130lbs weight limit is a warning to not put too much luggage up there for obvious saftey reasons...

you might dent the panel if you stand up there move around too much.. but you certainly won't crush the roof... i'm pretty sure the car is designed to withstand the impact of a roll-over which is presumably more than 130lbs.

and as you were saying... the plywood may help to distribute the weight so your weight is not focused at one point

 

[VVT-i Owns]

I used to climb my dads car and man I tell u it would dent.....

 

[joshthorsc]

Park it under a tree branch, climb the tree onto the branch( you'll need monkey climbimg skills here) and there you have it, your roof top. Just don't fall down or drop your camera onto your Lexus.

 

[MRQtwinturbo]

if theres a way u can lie flat on the roof....u'll prolly lessen the chance of denting the roof......

 

[DrewsCam]

i dented my dads van, but i was young so just walking around

If you balance it you might be safe

 

[Hajoca]

John

I work on top of sheet metal paint booths all the time, and 3/4 inch insulating foam board for house wall that is glued to a 1/2 inch plywood usually does good.

Foam side on the roof. Use contact cement, and be careful, as the large amount will flash off alot of solvent. Waterbased contact cement is not as good.

Paint the plywood after, and add non skid tape.