I have a 1988 Jeep Cherokee w/its stock roof racks, and I'm wondering how strong those hold to the roof.

The crossbars/racks (that go from side to side of the roof), screw into the roof with metal screws whose heads are PLASTIC. I'm wondering if those metal/plastic screws are strong enough to hold their factory crossbar racks if big wind-resistant things (cargo box/container, surfboards, etc) attached to the crossbars.

I'd love to hear if anyone knows generally if they are definitely strong enough, or more specifically if anyone knows the holding strength in some unit of measure.

Thanks much!

Ted

 

Do some "in the field" tests then post video could be entertaining.

 

The stock cross bars are pretty sturdy, as long as you don't surpass like 120 pounds you'll be fine. It's whatever the amount of weight the XJ roof can hold is what you need to worry about.

 

Factory load limit is 100 pounds.

Any more, you need to convert to a metal basket to spread the load out more.

 

I just hauled 20 wet 12' 2x4's home 30 miles doing 65 ish. All seemed well. Made it home.