I know the manual says the weight limit for the 04 Vibe's roof racks is 75 pounds. I've heard some rumours though that you can get away with a lot more than that on the crossbars...is that true?
The reason I ask is that I have a tandem kayak that's 72 lbs, not counting the aluminum paddles that I carry on it, and not counting a couple of pounds' worth of extra equipment I store in it. Since I want to carry it with foam blocks on the factory crossbars, I'd probably be slightly above the stated weight limit. And I also cinch the straps that hold the kayak onto the rack down pretty snugly, so it's not like the kayak would just be "resting weight" on top of the racks. Which gives me pause However, if someone were to say "oh, that 75 lbs weight limit is just a very, very conservative number, you'll be fine", then I'd be thrilled...