
22 Aug 2009
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Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
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Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: West Wales, UK
Posts: 473
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The 5kg is a product liability thing. I'm not sure about the law in Germany, but in UK a manufacturer can be held liable for accidents caused by a fault in their product. By limiting the load "officially" to 5kg, it means that if you load it up with 500kg and crash, they can say that it isn't their fault. It's a way of keeping out of trouble, by puting the onus on the user to be sensible.
The rack will probably carry a lot more than 5kg safely, but you have to use your own judgement. If you are carrying 50kg and it breaks, then don't go back to the makers, that's all.
For example, Land Rover roof racks, which can easily carry 500kg (I have done it) are limited - according to Land Rover - to 50kg.
Just use your common sense. A 48l topcase shouldn't worry the rack, unless you fill it with lead.
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