Does a heavy load on front rack mess with your steering?

I carry a front storage box that loaded probably runs around 250-300lbs and don't notice it at all on my F250. I mounted it low enough not to block the grill. I would recommend putting markers of some kind that sticks up in the front corners so you can see where the front of your van really is. I used the orange fiberglass driveway markers cut off to stick up a little above the hood and made mounts on the front corners. I then wrapped some extra reflective tape on the top couple of inches. Even with the markers right in my face I have come close to running into light poles in parking lots when parking because I forgot it was up there.

Your biggest issue is going to be the potential loss of cooling air for the radiator, A/C condenser and transmission cooler, especially in hot weather.

DrewE, you're right, that could have been a factor in why I felt the rear load so much. I know from a trip to the scales that having the fridge, etc, in the rear makes the front tend to be too light anyway, in that van, even without the rear rack. I make a conscious effort to put all the heavy stuff in the passenger seat and footwell, but there is only so much room there.

I have plans to mount my Yamaha 3000 sIEB generator on a clam shell rack made from expanded metal.

How far in front of the RV grill should it be mounted?

My current operating temperatures maximum are 214 F, but more usually 190 in the summer time.

Weight on the rear reduces the weight on the steer axle, which can lead to squirrelly handling if done to a sufficient degree. Some class C motorhomes (and probably some class A's) are rather prone that problem due to the very large overhang behind the back axle. Having more weight on the steer axle, at least within reason, generally has the opposite effect, making for a more stable vehicle and heavier steering.

It probably goes without saying, but take care that you don't block the lights, besides not blocking the airflow.

Thanks, both!

Mex, I promise to keep the load very short and flat.

I def notice the same load on my current small van, on the rear. It wags the dog a bit. New van GVW will be 3ooolbs more, though.

NAIO from the school of hard knocks...

Don't block the radiator flow...

Has nothing to do with weight. Has everything to do with blocking air flow.

In my case not much happened until the load got pretty big. Then one uphill climb in hot weather, stuck its tongue out at me.

This is why the "mount the spare tire on the grille" fetish came and went. Stuff like bicycles won't make a whit of different. Big, boxy items will.

No joke. Tape off 3/4 of your grill area then go for a drive on an uncrowded road. Keep a SHARP eye on the engine temperature gauge. If it climbs in mild weather, guaranteed it will blow the engine or transmission in hot weather.

IMO you won't notice it.