Sunroof and kayak woes

[spiritedcharm]

I recently learned the BS max dynamic roof load is only 100 LBS with a sunroof. I was equally set on having a sunroof and carrying kayaks, but it looks like I may not get to have both. Our kayaks with roof racks total 110-132 lbs and that's not including the crossbars. I need help weighing the risk of exceeding the weight limit for short distances (it will only carry the kayaks one way for river trips and mostly backroads at lower speeds) versus giving up my beloved sunroof.

I'm coming from a convertible for the past 15 years and told myself that I would always have at least a sunroof. I know it doesn't make up for the whole top down effect, but felt it was a small compromise. Then I saw another post that said the sunroof/moonroof on the BS only opens 12", so maybe that's not such a big draw?

I'd really like to hear from others who have and love the sunroof and perhaps also exceed the load limit - is it worth the risk?

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[69cuda340s]

Don't know about roof limits but sunroof does not open very far. It does have a cool power shade feature.

 

[Benanza]

With all the issues they've had with the sunroof/moonroof, it's probably not advisable to really exceed the weight limit.

 

[tburner]

For continuity, I'm adding my response to the your post earlier this morning in a different thread:

Only you can answer if it's worth it, as you'll be footing the bill should anything go wrong. You'll be at an increased risk of rollover. That said, I personally wouldn't sweat it. And neither would Ford. Their own promo materials show a BL (presumably with BL package) hooning through the forest with a RTT + awning. That weighs 130+ lbs. Further, the mannequin I bought was configured from the factory (not the dealership) with the RTT and awning.

Should you decide you're operating within your acceptable risk tolerance, you'll need to understand your handling will take a hit and adjust your driving accordingly, which you've already stated you will.

 

[Ponyrider]

I have to thank everyone posting about roof loads and kayaks. I've learned a lot. I have a moonroof. It came in handy on my Escape, so I wanted one on my Sport. After going back and forth kayak/canoe, I opted for a pack canoe. 20 lbs. I can handle it myself and there is no load issue. I realize canoes and kayaks are different. I just wanted to get out onto the water.

 

[Glamdring70]

I have a sunroof and I'm not into kayaking, but I looked into the possibility with the Bronco Sport when I got it. You can get a kayak up there with a sunroof, but you'll never get two up there with the weight limit. A two-person kayak might go on if it's short or you can take all the seats and mounts off to reduce weight. The official Ford factory crossbars are about 17lb fwiw, and then a J-rack is about another 17- less weight the more you spend on it of course. That system eats a lot of the weight before you add anything that floats. I looked at consumer kayaks an Big 5 and Costco and they were all 40-60 each. Maybe there's a lightweight one out there somewhere.

Just wanted to go out on the water once we got to a lake. We have a Coleman inflatable that goes in a duffel so that will float at least and doesn't care about the sunroof limits.

 

[Fordfan]

I recently learned the BS max dynamic roof load is only 100 LBS with a sunroof. I was equally set on having a sunroof and carrying kayaks, but it looks like I may not get to have both. Our kayaks with roof racks total 110-132 lbs and that's not including the crossbars. I need help weighing the risk of exceeding the weight limit for short distances (it will only carry the kayaks one way for river trips and mostly backroads at lower speeds) versus giving up my beloved sunroof.

I'm coming from a convertible for the past 15 years and told myself that I would always have at least a sunroof. I know it doesn't make up for the whole top down effect, but felt it was a small compromise. Then I saw another post that said the sunroof/moonroof on the BS only opens 12", so maybe that's not such a big draw?

I'd really like to hear from others who have and love the sunroof and perhaps also exceed the load limit - is it worth the risk?

I've had 2 -50lb kayaks on the roof rack last summer......no issues at all....and the moonroof still opened with them up there.

 

[spiritedcharm]

The manual actual says "panoramic roof", but the moonroof is not panoramic. Yakimas website says 149 lbs for the bronco sport "period" it does not have separate specs for those with a moonroof.

 

[Legacy40k]

I recently learned the BS max dynamic roof load is only 100 LBS with a sunroof. I was equally set on having a sunroof and carrying kayaks, but it looks like I may not get to have both. Our kayaks with roof racks total 110-132 lbs and that's not including the crossbars. I need help weighing the risk of exceeding the weight limit for short distances (it will only carry the kayaks one way for river trips and mostly backroads at lower speeds) versus giving up my beloved sunroof.

I'm coming from a convertible for the past 15 years and told myself that I would always have at least a sunroof. I know it doesn't make up for the whole top down effect, but felt it was a small compromise. Then I saw another post that said the sunroof/moonroof on the BS only opens 12", so maybe that's not such a big draw?

I'd really like to hear from others who have and love the sunroof and perhaps also exceed the load limit - is it worth the risk?

I ordered (And am waiting on) one without a sunroof specifically for this reason. I have a ski box on the roof all winter, and regularly have more than 100 lbs of rack+skibox+skis on the roof.

It also gives more tent options if I ever want to go that route not having the sunroof. Sorta sucks, because there's a dealer not too far away that has one on the lot that has all the equipment I want and the colour - but with a sunroof. But I also don't want to roll my vehicle so...

 

[Legacy40k]

The manual actual says "panoramic roof", but the moonroof is not panoramic. Yakimas website says 149 lbs for the bronco sport "period" it does not have separate specs for those with a moonroof.

It would be nice if this was clearer. The thing is, we know that the more weight you have higher up, the higher the chance of rollover. We know that even a standard moonroof has a weight -how much does it weigh? Glass plus motors - probably 40 to 50 lbs I bet? So that would explain the weight difference. "Panoramic roof" I'm guessing is just an editing error for copying the text from the escape.

 

[spiritedcharm]

This just in from my sales dude (email saved): "parts department told me that the suggested weight limits are flexible. They told me as long as you aren't going over 125% of the load limit you will be fine 10-20lbs wont affect the load capacity." Total weight for me is at 110

 

[GaryS]

I've had 2 -50lb kayaks on the roof rack last summer......no issues at all....and the moonroof still opened with them up there.

That's gonna be my situation: 2 yaks, one 51 lbs, one 58 lbs, plus the crossbars, a Hullavator (or the like - it's just too heavy and too high for me) and a J-rack. That's min 160 lbs. And you had zero issues? Were you ever driving highway speeds with it? Sometimes I go out of state with my kayaks. I'm very heartened to hear you say that. Although my setup will be heavier still.

 

[Fordfan]

That's gonna be my situation: 2 yaks, one 51 lbs, one 58 lbs, plus the crossbars, a Hullavator (or the like - it's just too heavy and too high for me) and a J-rack. That's min 160 lbs. And you had zero issues? Were you ever driving highway speeds with it? Sometimes I go out of state with my kayaks. I'm very heartened to hear you say that. Although my setup will be heavier still.

Yup highway driving 60 mph, 2 1/2 hour drives no problems

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