97 xlt factory rack, how much weight can it support?

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fogdog - 17 Mar 2005 04:33 GMT

Ok, I have a 97 xlt with a factory rack, how many pounds can I put on it
evenly distributed? I want to throw a canoe and kayak on there if I can.

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Jim Warman - 17 Mar 2005 05:27 GMT

The weight rating will either be on the carrier or in the owners manual...
working from memory, I recall in the neighbourhood of 10 pounds.

> Ok, I have a 97 xlt with a factory rack, how many pounds can I put on it
> evenly distributed? I want to throw a canoe and kayak on there if I can.

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Searcher1 - 17 Mar 2005 12:58 GMT

I upgraded my rack to a Yakima just for that purpose. (my canoe) The factory
rack was not able to support the weight of my superlight canoe. I think the
factory rack is for show.

Searcher1

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fogdog - 17 Mar 2005 21:58 GMT

> I upgraded my rack to a Yakima just for that purpose. (my canoe) The factory
> rack was not able to support the weight of my superlight canoe. I think the
> factory rack is for show.
>
> Searcher1

Well I am about to push it to the limits.

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Searcher1 - 17 Mar 2005 22:38 GMT

I think the main issue that I had for replacing the factory rack, was that
it was too narrow for the canoe. Maybe a kayak would have fit better.

Searcher1

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fogdog - 19 Mar 2005 06:49 GMT

> Ok, I have a 97 xlt with a factory rack, how many pounds can I put on it
> evenly distributed? I want to throw a canoe and kayak on there if I can.

Well the canoe and kayak are on the top. I will keep yall posted if
everything works out.

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David - 20 Mar 2005 17:31 GMT

I have had two Exploders and kayaked, biked and lumber hauled with them
each, extensively.

The rating, from memory is 100lb and they will take that. I have carried a
plastic double kayak (80lb) and a single glass kayak (20lb) with just a bolt
on upright bar in the center of the original rack. Eventually this started
to weaken the joint next to the mount and my boating ambitions grew to the
point where I bought a Yakima rack that fits the same tracks and I double up
now and leave both rack on their.

The original is not for show and works well for occasional use, up to its
limit. If your working at 100lb, go for the Yakima.

David
Raleigh

> Ok, I have a 97 xlt with a factory rack, how many pounds can I put on it
> evenly distributed? I want to throw a canoe and kayak on there if I can.

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fogdog - 23 Mar 2005 01:24 GMT

Here is a photo with the canoe and kayak on. I have other angles of it
also.

http://www.prism.gatech.edu/~gtg270h/car.jpg

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