What is the load-bearing capacity of an SUV trunk?
2 Answers
Generally, an SUV trunk can bear a load of about 200 kilograms. Precautions for trunk usage: Use it reasonably and avoid placing too many items to prevent adding burden to the vehicle and creating safety hazards. Avoid storing hazardous materials. It is not recommended for owners to keep heavy items in the trunk for long periods, as this increases the vehicle's load and fuel consumption. Essential items such as emergency tools (e.g., tow ropes, common medicines, band-aids, etc.) should be kept in the trunk for emergencies. In critical situations, the trunk can also serve as an escape route. Hazards of carrying heavy loads: The designed load-bearing capacity of a trunk generally should not exceed 250-300kg. Cars should not carry excessively heavy items as it adversely affects the chassis and suspension system, leading to fatigue and aging of springs and shock absorbers, and potential deformation of the chassis and frame. Statistics show that for every 10% increase in weight, the vehicle consumes 6% more fuel. Fuel consumption is not only related to vehicle performance and driving habits but also directly linked to the trunk's load. Regular cleaning of the trunk and maintaining an organized placement of items are essential habits.
I've been driving SUVs for over a decade and feel that paying attention to trunk load capacity is crucial. Generally speaking, load capacities vary significantly between different SUV brands, with most models rated between 200 to 400 kilograms. My Toyota RAV4's manual specifies 300 kg - exceeding this makes the rear noticeably sag and affects driving stability. The key factors affecting load capacity are chassis strength, suspension system, and tire load rating. Overloading can easily lead to shock absorber damage or tire deformation. My advice: always check your owner's manual or use a scale to weigh items - don't overload for convenience. Practical tip: use roof racks during trips to distribute weight, which protects your trunk structure, extends vehicle lifespan, and avoids expensive repairs.
