Strange! I've had a chainsaw, fuel and a little bit of everything on the front of my foreman and rode rough trails with something up front. Never had a problem.
I would bet the same. I've put all kinds of things on mine. I've had People (more than one) on it, its been hit by another bike, I've backed into things, the front of my friends foreman, my wheels and tires, ain't not telling what else. I ride real rough and my racks take a good beating. It is bent from being hit by another bike, but not broke.That is Strange....I've had over 200 lbs. on my rear rack and never a problem.I'd say it was probably defective from the factory.
Just makes it ruggeder so the paint doesnt come off when you put boxes and stuff on them. How did it hold up? Duplicolor has spray liner is that just as good? I spray painted mine black (3 coats) and its scratched to dog crap now.it does help stiffen it up some.