Bison Gear Shelf: Real-world overlanding with 2x Front Runner chairs?

[BoatTox]

I have purchased the Bison Gear shelf to install in my 2026 Grenadier, when it arrives. I already own two Front Runner Expander chairs and want to mount them using the Bison "under-shelf" brackets.

The math for this specific setup (2 chairs + 2 bags + 2 brackets) totals approximately 15.2 kg (33.5 lbs). This is 3.2 kg (approx. 7 lbs) over the stated 12 kg dynamic weight limit for the Bison Gear Cargo Shelf.

For anyone who has actually used this setup on corrugated roads or overlanding trips:

• Have you experienced any bracket fatigue, sagging, or hardware loosening when using the Front Runner Expander Chairs and Storage Bags?
• Are you concerned about the structural integrity given it’s ~25% over the dynamic limit with the Bison Gear Under-The-Shelf Brackets installed?
• Have you found a way to reinforce the mounting points, or is the 12 kg limit just a conservative estimate?

I’m trying to decide if I need to find lighter chairs or if this shelf can reliably handle the extra few pounds while in motion.

 

[GrenAF]

Let us know what you find.

 

[GN4HIR]

I have this same setup and I've had no problem, even with the shelf filled with stuff... mostly jackets, towels, blankets, shoes.

You will need some rubber straps across the opening to hold the chairs in place. I also experienced some rattling even with tight bolts, so last time I had it out I put adhesive foam between the mating surfaces and it is quite now.

I had these and they worked well. https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0D95NCXCC?tag=globalgrena0b-20

 

[DenisM]

I have purchased the Bison Gear shelf to install in my 2026 Grenadier, when it arrives. I already own two Front Runner Expander chairs and want to mount them using the Bison "under-shelf" brackets.

The math for this specific setup (2 chairs + 2 bags + 2 brackets) totals approximately 15.2 kg (33.5 lbs). This is 3.2 kg (approx. 7 lbs) over the stated 12 kg dynamic weight limit for the Bison Gear Cargo Shelf.

For anyone who has actually used this setup on corrugated roads or overlanding trips:

• Have you experienced any bracket fatigue, sagging, or hardware loosening when using the Front Runner Expander Chairs and Storage Bags?
• Are you concerned about the structural integrity given it’s ~25% over the dynamic limit with the Bison Gear Under-The-Shelf Brackets installed?
• Have you found a way to reinforce the mounting points, or is the 12 kg limit just a conservative estimate?

I’m trying to decide if I need to find lighter chairs or if this shelf can reliably handle the extra few pounds while in motion.

Are you sure about the chair weights... Total weight of two Expander chairs plus their carry bags should be no more than 10kg max. That makes for very heavy brackets...