Roof rack cross bars?

[SpeedOften]

Has anyone bought cross bars other than the Ford setup? Which brand did you go with? Pro's / Con's?

 

[rxrep]

Amazon and some vinyl wrap, because cross bars started as silver and I wanted black. Total cost @$100.

 

[rxrep]

Disclaimer - The fairing was from my old rack and the ST Decal on it was $15 online.
Pros- Cheap and functional. Handled roof box for family vacation at high speed 1000 miles.
Cons- Not factory or 'name' brand. Blends well into rails for what it is, though.

 

[Cdubya]

I have and recommend the Ford crossbars. It doesn't add height and it does not call attention to itself. Con: it no longer locks into place but tightens up and is held in place by friction.

 

[Road.racer]

Used my ford points to buy the Ford crossbars. They seem descent.

 

[IndyFEST]

Looking for cross bars and saw several eBay listings for 16-19MY Explorer OEM cross bars stating that it will fit 2020 Explorers. Does anyone know if this is true. eBay fitment check also states they fit my 20 Explorer. They’re about 40-50% lower in price compared to 2020 versions so peaked my interest. I appreciate any insight.


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[Cdubya]

pretty sure 2019 and older crossbars are NOT compatible with 2020.

 

[Dallas ST]

Looking for cross bars and saw several eBay listings for 16-19MY Explorer OEM cross bars stating that it will fit 2020 Explorers. Does anyone know if this is true. eBay fitment check also states they fit my 20 Explorer. They’re about 40-50% lower in price compared to 2020 versions so peaked my interest. I appreciate any insight.


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Im curious about this too....

 

[robbcwz]

pretty sure 2019 and older crossbars are NOT compatible with 2020.

Agree - not compatible. The attachment to the side rails is totally different.

 

[robbcwz]

I have and recommend the Ford crossbars. It doesn't add height and it does not call attention to itself. Con: it no longer locks into place but tightens up and is held in place by friction.

Any issues with wind noise?

 

[Scott G]

Any issues with wind noise?

I installed the Ford crossbars and have had no issues. I do have current problem with wind noise at rear window. Ford tech said it was the crossbars. We removed them and tested and crossbars are not causing any wind noise issues.

 

[mitchellj22]

I installed the Ford crossbars and have had no issues. I do have current problem with wind noise at rear window. Ford tech said it was the crossbars. We removed them and tested and crossbars are not causing any wind noise issues.

I have and recommend the Ford crossbars. It doesn't add height and it does not call attention to itself. Con: it no longer locks into place but tightens up and is held in place by friction.

what brand-name cargo boxes are compatible with the Ford crossbars?

 

[Scott G]

I have a Yakima box and have no issues.

 

[mitchellj22]

Cool beans. Are the Ford Crossbars relatively quiet/aerodynamic? I’m having a hard time justifying $700 for an aero set from Thule or Yakima. Research says Yakima crossbars are the most silent compared to Thule.

 

[Cdubya]

I have a Yakima box and have no issues.

Me too. Yakima Skybox 16.

The Ford Crossbars are quiet. I do not notice any wind noise from above.

 

[Scott G]

Cool beans. Are the Ford Crossbars relatively quiet/aerodynamic? I’m having a hard time justifying $700 for an aero set from Thule or Yakima. Research says Yakima crossbars are the most silent compared to Thule.

No noise from factory bars.

 

[Greyghost]

I may be asking an obvious question. A yakima skybox will attach and be safe with Ford factory crossbars, right? As I understand it the only drawback to OEM instead of aftermarket is the weight limits. Ford has a 75lb restriction (with moonroof), so if I do not plan to load more than 75lbs I should be good?

 

[Scott G]

I put lighter stuff in box. Couple large duffels.
shoes etc. I would stick with Fords recommendations

I can send measurements if that helps.

 

[KANSAS]

The best cross bars are the factory optional ones on my older Explorers. They both can adjusted along the full length of the roof without tools. They are low profile and sit no higher than the side rails so I leave them on full time. The dark object at the rear is a small roof mount antenna and not part of the bars.

 

[Cdubya]

I may be asking an obvious question. A yakima skybox will attach and be safe with Ford factory crossbars, right? As I understand it the only drawback to OEM instead of aftermarket is the weight limits. Ford has a 75lb restriction (with moonroof), so if I do not plan to load more than 75lbs I should be good?

I'd rethink that. Most of us are ignoring the Ford limits but are driving cautiously knowing the rollover risk is greater. I think my Skybox weighs 47lbs? It's almost a given that I'm going to exceed 75lb. i for sure drive cautiously but have to remind my wife because it's not something she thinks about.

I too put heavy things in the trunk and try to put lighter things up top. But anyone who's travelled by air knows even clothes weigh a ton.