The bar is 1/8" thick & only 12" long. The majority of the load forces are down. There would be some forward force when you'd have to stop very quick while going quite fast (more than 20 MPH?) The width of the addition is the width of the original rack (sorry I didn't give you an "end-on" shot. The top of the rack is through bolted to the bar stock & now is integral with the original rack.Thanks for your interest