Key Definitions
- Dynamic Load (on‑road/off‑road): Maximum weight allowed while the vehicle is moving—includes the weight of the rack system and cargo.
- Static Load: Maximum weight when the vehicle is stationary (e.g. rooftop tent with occupants).
Generation 3 (NM/NP – 2000–2006)
From Mitsubishi Owner’s Manual and Rhino‑Rack Fitting Guides:
- The OEM roof rack system (e.g. Rhino‑Rack Pioneer with track or rail mounts) is rated to a dynamic (on‑road/off‑road) total cargo allowance of 100 kg (including the rack weight) .
- Static load capacity is not explicitly stated in Mitsubishi documentation. Rhino‑Rack documentation for compatible systems mentions static capacity up to 250 kg for Gen 3 flush‑rail configuration .
Note: Rhino‑Rack clarifies that if the vehicle manufacturer’s roof allowance is lower, that lower value applies—even if the system supports more .
Generation 4 (NS/NT – 2006 onward)
From Rhino‑Rack Fitting Supplement:
- For Pajero NS‑NX LWB with raised rails, Pioneer system load ratings are:
- Dynamic (on‑road/off‑road): Up to 80 kg (Rails + cargo weight), but always defer to vehicle manufacturer’s limit if lower—which for Gen 4 is 100 kg dynamic roof load .
- Static capacity: Up to 200 kg per system rails configuration .
- Some Rhino‑Rack systems and supplements list static limits up to 350 kg (Pioneer‑NG supplement), but still note the vehicle’s lower dynamic rating must govern .
Summary Table
| Generation | Dynamic Load (moving) | Static Load (stationary) | Notes |
| Gen 3 (NM/NP, 2000–06) | 100 kg (total roof system + cargo) | Up to 250 kg (based on Rhino‑Rack guides) | Mitsubishi manual defers to vehicle OEM; static rating not in owner’s manual. |
| Gen 4 (NS/NT, 2006 onward) | 100 kg max (use whichever is lower: rack or OEM limit) | ~200 kg (raised‑rail config)–up to 350 kg supported by rack system | Dynamic cap always controlled by OEM limit of 100 kg. |
Assumptions & Clarifications
- Mitsubishi manuals do not publish static roof load ratings, so static figures are based strictly on Rhino‑Rack system documentation—not OEM.
- Rhino‑Rack emphasizes “use the vehicle manufacturer’s maximum roof allowance if it is lower than the figure listed” for dynamic loads .
- Always include the weight of the rack itself in dynamic cargo calculations.
- Off‑road use may reduce allowable dynamic loads, but Rhino‑Rack documentation instructs building a safety factor (e.g. 1.5×) when on rugged surfaces .
Practical Guidance
- Never exceed 100 kg dynamic load on your Pajero roof—this includes weight of rack+cargo.
- Static loads (e.g. tents) may be supported up to 200–250 kg depending on the rack type—but Mitsubishi does not officially certify this.
- Rack selection matters: flush‑rail vs raised‑rail, two‑bar vs three‑bar systems will affect static allowances.
- When installing accessories or rooftop tents, consult both the Mitsubishi owner’s manual and the specific Rhino‑Rack fitting instructions for your system.
Suggested Next Steps
- Review the actual Mitsubishi Pajero owner’s manual for your model year to confirm the OEM dynamic roof limit (usually printed under payload or roof loading).
- Refer directly to the Rhino‑Rack fitting chart PDFs that correspond to your vehicle and rack configuration for exact static/dynamic ratings.
- If you’re using other rack brands (Rola, ARB etc.), verify their fitment sheets similarly.
