RX roof bike holder

[Brian26]

Thanks Mark. I can't say that the reply was exactly unexpected!

Bri

[m4rkw]

This is very interesting. I've just got back from holiday and checked my owners manuals to see if there was any mention of a roof load limit. The translated Harrier manual makes no mention of roof loading, presumably because that's just something that isn't offered in Japan. I also have a regular RX-300 manual which came with my car, and it has a page that talks about how to use the roof rails and bars. And at the end of that section is a very interesting little box that says:

"When loading the luggages, be careful not to scratch the surface of the moon roof."

Something's not adding up here.. was it perhaps originally indicated that it would be ok but later they had a bunch of complaints and/or litigation as a result of cracked roofs?

 

[m4rkw]

I have called Lexus just now and am waiting for a call back to discuss this apparent discrepancy.

[Barry14UK]

Isn't a 'moon' roof what most understand to be a 'sun' roof where cross rails are sold by Lexus to fit to the side rails and this is OK to a prescribed overall weight limit?  What is in question is whether the same applies with the pan roof which covers a much greater area.  Lexus should make a definitive statement on this, at least in respect of the rails they supply themselves  with an upper overall weight limit.  I can understand that they may be unwilling to advise on any after market rails that may be provided by any manufacturer.

[m4rkw]

14 hours ago, Barry14UK said:

Isn't a 'moon' roof what most understand to be a 'sun' roof where cross rails are sold by Lexus to fit to the side rails and this is OK to a prescribed overall weight limit?  What is in question is whether the same applies with the pan roof which covers a much greater area.  Lexus should make a definitive statement on this, at least in respect of the rails they supply themselves  with an upper overall weight limit.  I can understand that they may be unwilling to advise on any after market rails that may be provided by any manufacturer.

I think you're probably right that the manual is just talking about a normal moon roof and not the panoramic roof. That would explain what I was told by the Lexus dealer. I will update here if I hear back from their head office but I think you've probably already answered it.

[Spacewagon52]

On 8/28/2020 at 8:58 PM, ColinBarber said:

Possibly. When you have a roof nearly made entirely out glass then you have that risk. Just tightening up the bars too much could crack the glass. Lexus do show pictures of pano models with roof accessories but not sure if they have now stopped it. I've heard of dealers not allowing it both in the UK and US. When you purchase the vehicle you have the choice of pano or sunroof and one of the consideration should be if you need to carry things on the roof.

Obviously we are talking pano here:

 

If you have a standard sunroof or nothing then it is fine to carry things on the roof.

Thank goodness I read this thread. I need to have a roof boot when travelling so IF I ever purchase a 450h I will avoid the pan roof.

Thanks Colin, this club is a fantastic resource for information.