Quote Originally Posted by pbkid View Post
um...just a note, probably not safe for driving...but i've had MUCH more than 200 pounds up there....on the bars ive had-
spare tire mounted on rim full of air (probably around 60 or 70 lbs)
driving lights (5 lbs)
military ammo case (20lbs)
ME (205 lbs)
total- 300 lbs

and no problems, my basket was flexing a little but the bars were just fine! did it about 3 days ago
Mine is about the same, rack is about 20lbs, spare 60-80lbs, ammo can-35lbs, and I use mine to pull up on all the time.
My father works in the RV industry and they build hitch couplers, generally the rated weight is half the actual working weight. That is to avoid lawsuits and to give plenty of cushion for flaws and user error. I would say a 200lb kayak would be just fine, just check your bolts every once in awhile...