TheSamba.com :: View topic

Wed Nov 19, 2008 11:00 pm

what would be a reasonable amount of weight a roof rack(all metal) on a std-67 be? reason i ask is im in a band, with my bug as my only means of transportation, i need to figure out where how can load my 4x10 bass cab either in or on my bug to get it to gigs. =/ . the cab weighs about 95lbs, so lifting it up to the roof would be a two man job, i just dont think i can shove it through the door AND find room for my bass and amp head. yea, a truck would be nice.. two smaller cabs would be nice... maybe i should just build a trailer??

Wed Nov 19, 2008 11:20 pm

Screw the rack, what's is gonna do to your car?

Wed Nov 19, 2008 11:25 pm

Well... I'm not sure what the recommended weight is for roof racks, I did at one point load about 300lbs of soil and fertilizer from Home Depot on mine. I don't think your cabinet will be any problem, just make sure it's strapped down good. :wink:
Others could chime in and prove me a fool, but I'm pretty sure 95lbs is well within the weight specs.

Thu Nov 20, 2008 5:44 am

Place another 300lbs.+ on and put a fat guy in your passenger seat, then go real fast and turn left.

Thu Nov 20, 2008 9:22 pm

I once delivered a 5.1 surround system to a client with the sub, a couple fronts, and several other heavy things atop- my then boss took a picture of it for our catalog- it weighed close to 250- the client was less than enthused...
Anyway, the rack can hold way more than the pulling forces against the clamps when driving at higher speeds. (This I know as a former Yakima rack installer/seller). I would have no worries about car or rack (or gear) in the city- but stay off the motorways. Excess drag will yank clamps off- then you get to collect your tubas outta some chick's camry...

Thu Nov 20, 2008 10:27 pm

I drove my 62 over 1100 miles with my amp and a bunch of other stuff on the rack...I would estimate the load at 200 pounds...I only had one issue when I made it to Indy...I must have hit a pot hole or a bump...the rack did slide back a couple of inches. I just had to snug up the clamps.
I would say that you would be ok transporting your rig on the rack, but just be extra safe...keep your clamps tight and keep the cab strapped down good.. watch for bad roads and panic stops.

JGW

Thu Nov 20, 2008 11:14 pm

You are probably safe at 100-125 pounds evenly distributed and with smart driving.
http://dodgeram.org/tech/specs/bolts/SAE_bolt_strength.html

High speed and wind resistance wiill add to the possibility of shear.

The average rack will probably hold 300-500 static pounds but when you start moving it at high speed and around corners you wont be safe with much over 100 pounds. Just my opinion. AND I'm not an Engineer nor did I stay at that motel last night. :wink:

Marvin

Thu Nov 20, 2008 11:35 pm

thanks for all the replies..

looks like ill be alright with the cab sitting up there (securely 8) strapped down... just no roadracing or stupid highspeed runs down the freeway lol. ill probably take the time to sit down and fab up some strap hooks and beef up the clamps to reduce any possibility of shearing them... id really hate to scatter the cab all over the asphalt as the thing brand new, literally costs the same as i bought my bug for :D ($1300)

Fri Nov 21, 2008 7:35 am

I usually just remove the passenger seat when i need to haul my music gear. Wet speaker cones don't sound too good.