2016 - 2017 crossbars weight restrictions

[Exit32]

Possible that the roof-rack's weight limit is driven by stability-control capability and has nothing to do with the roof's physical ability to bear the load. All modern SUVs have some type of automated stability-control system, and its capabilities would be affected by weight placed high on the vehicle.

 

[peterk9]

Possible that the roof-rack's weight limit is driven by stability-control capability and has nothing to do with the roof's physical ability to bear the load. All modern SUVs have some type of automated stability-control system, and its capabilities would be affected by weight placed high on the vehicle.

'IF' the stability control system is the same on all these models, then why is the weight restriction not the same whether you have a moonroof or not?

 

[Exit32]

'IF' the stability control system is the same on all these models, then why is the weight restriction not the same whether you have a moonroof or not?

I suspect the glass moonroof, equipped with shade and retract mechanisms, is heavier than a plain sheet-metal roof, so Ford engineers took that into consideration when calculating center-of-gravity for the vehicle. Thus, heavier topside for moonroof-equipped Explorers means lower load capacity on the roof.

 

[peterk9]

I suspect the glass moonroof, equipped with shade and retract mechanisms, is heavier than a plain sheet-metal roof, so Ford engineers took that into consideration when calculating center-of-gravity for the vehicle. Thus, heavier topside for moonroof-equipped Explorers means lower load capacity on the roof.

That does make sense, if stability is the reason, although I don't recall any roll-overs in the pre 2016 models. I guess that's good news.

Peter

 

[Tier1Terrier]

Wow, I would have never thought of the stability control as the reason for the weight limit on the roof, but it certainly is possible and makes sense... including how the weight of the moonroof glass and power/control mechanisms affect things. The more I look at the car and where/how the rails sit, the more I am perplexed about the weight limit. It just doesn't seem like the roof would have any problems supporting the actual weight. But now it makes more sense. Either way, this is NOT a desirable characteristic. Still bummeb about this regardless of the reason.

 

[thefranchise713]

I wonder if its not about the safety standards.

Per NHTSA, a vehicle need support at least 1.5x its own weight on the roof, with newer standards requiring up to 3.0 times.

Now, imagine a roof carrier. It adds to the weight and a significant amount of force against the car if it rolls over. The car must now support its own weight (in theory) over a smaller surface area. Now, imagine a car carrier pressing against the glass in such an incident...

The idea might be entirely crazy, but I have no idea. Food for thought. Feel free to eat me alive.

 

[kmarnes]

Here's the precise text. It implies recommended limits for center of gravity reasons. You can probably get away with more if you are careful.

When loading the roof racks, we recommend you evenly distribute the load, as well as maintain a low center of gravity. Loaded vehicles, with higher centers of gravity, may handle differently than unloaded vehicles. Take extra precautions, such as slower speeds and increased stopping distance, when driving a heavily loaded vehicle. The maximum recommended load, evenly distributed on the crossbars, is:

• 100 lb (45 kg) for vehicles without a moonroof.
• 45 lb (20 kg) for vehicles with a moonroof.

For correct roof rack system function, you must place loads directly on crossbars affixed to the roof rack side rails. When using the roof rack system, we recommend you use Ford Genuine Accessory crossbars designed specifically for your vehicle. Make sure that you securely fasten the load. Check the tightness of the load before driving and at each fuel stop.​

 

[peterk9]

That message has been in every Owner's Manual since 2011. The only difference is that suddenly in 2016 they changed from carrying 100 lbs, whether you have the moonroof or not, and added 45 lb (20 kg) for vehicles with a moonroof. What changed to cause that seems to be the main question.

Peter

 

[veloduffer]

I thought it might be the siderails being low and possibly weaker in design than previous years. Plus the Ford cross bars, like most OEM cross bars these days, is pretty weak and would flex/bend such that the more than 45 lbs could cause the load to bounce up and down on the roof.

I would think that the Thule/Yakima bars would handle at least 100 lbs.

 

[GrumpyOne]

Yep, the same issue with Escape. It's not the load carrying ability of the structure, it's the center-of-gravity. The pano moonroof is heavier and when you add load up high on a roof rack, it will change how you vehicle handles. On the Edge you can't get the pano roof and roof rails for that reason.

-jw

I suspect the glass moonroof, equipped with shade and retract mechanisms, is heavier than a plain sheet-metal roof, so Ford engineers took that into consideration when calculating center-of-gravity for the vehicle. Thus, heavier topside for moonroof-equipped Explorers means lower load capacity on the roof.

 

[kmarnes]

So I got my new 2017 Explorer Sport yesterday and I love it! Also got the cross bars. Probably going to configure it with something like this:

http://www.rackattack.com/ski-snowboard-racks/roof-mount-snow-racks/yakima-fatcat-6-black/

Would probably hit the 45 pound limit after 3 pairs of skis, and even if I go over a little, I don't believe I will be winging it around corners. But yeah, no plans to buy the big sealed roof crates.

 

[brianp6621]

I just got a new sport and they said not to get the ford cross bars for a different reason, that they interfere with the moonroof when it opens? and that aftermarket (Thule) rails were necessary.

Has anyone heard anything about this?

 

[kmarnes]

No, not me. The 2017 roof rails don't have gaps on the sides. Apparently some of the older roof racks would connect this way. Pretty much all the newer Thule/Yakima racks have universal clamps that attack to the cross bar. The moonroof doesn't interfere with them at all. But the weight limit is low (45lbs with moonroof), which is stupid low.

I bought a Yakima Skybox Lo Carbonite. Wanted something that was low, aero dynamic, and could hold skis/snowboards for everyone that can fit in the car. Surprisingly little road noise, very happy with it. Can't recommend it enough. But don't expect to put anything but small luggage in it because of the low profile. Empty rack weighs 52lbs, so technically already over limit. But not all racks are created equally. This one is low and wide and opens on both sides. I could arguably get a smaller rack that was mounted on a side and throw the weight balance right off. And the sports are lower to the ground, and the weight limit applies to all models, so they are just covering their butts, and it doesn't interfere with safe driving as long as you don't try to race it around corners.

 

[brianp6621]

No, not me. The 2017 roof rails don't have gaps on the sides. Apparently some of the older roof racks would connect this way. Pretty much all the newer Thule/Yakima racks have universal clamps that attack to the cross bar. The moonroof doesn't interfere with them at all. But the weight limit is low (45lbs with moonroof), which is stupid low.

I bought a Yakima Skybox Lo Carbonite. Wanted something that was low, aero dynamic, and could hold skis/snowboards for everyone that can fit in the car. Surprisingly little road noise, very happy with it. Can't recommend it enough. But don't expect to put anything but small luggage in it because of the low profile. Empty rack weighs 52lbs, so technically already over limit. But not all racks are created equally. This one is low and wide and opens on both sides. I could arguably get a smaller rack that was mounted on a side and throw the weight balance right off. And the sports are lower to the ground, and the weight limit applies to all models, so they are just covering their butts, and it doesn't interfere with safe driving as long as you don't try to race it around corners.

I was looking at the Thule force XL. I don't know how it attaches to the rails and if there will be enough room.

Edit
From the Thule website it shows as compatible with the stock cross bars so I think I'm ok

 

[kmarnes]

That one will work fine. They clamp on the cross bars. But your car will be about 7'4", which will make underground parking a challenge in most places.

 

[peterk9]

I just got a new sport and they said not to get the ford cross bars for a different reason, that they interfere with the moonroof when it opens? and that aftermarket (Thule) rails were necessary.

Has anyone heard anything about this?

Not sure who you mean by "they". I doubt that the cross bars would interfere with the moonroof opening. The tilt function only comes up a very limited amount, almost to the extent that it is almost useless. I don't have the crossbars since I never use them anyway so I've never paid attention to them but can they be adjusted so that they don't sit over that part of the moonroof opening. According to the Manual, their position can be adjusted. Also keep in mind that as kmarnes posted, there is a 45 lbs. maximum that you can carry on them.

Peter

 

[brianp6621]

Not sure who you mean by "they". I doubt that the cross bars would interfere with the moonroof opening. The tilt function only comes up a very limited amount, almost to the extent that it is almost useless. I don't have the crossbars since I never use them anyway so I've never paid attention to them but can they be adjusted so that they don't sit over that part of the moonroof opening. According to the Manual, their position can be adjusted. Also keep in mind that there is a 45 lbs. maximum that you can carry on them.

Peter

The dealership is who told me there are clearance issues.

 

[Ruz]

Ford cross-rails vs. Thule

Looking to get a setup to carry a stand-up paddle board. I do not have cross rails at this time.

The Thule paddle board carrier states it will work with either. Are the Thule rails (about $450) worth the cost compared to the Ford rails (about $130)?

 

[pacman9270]

I can't speak for the Thule rails but the Ford rails should be able to hold your paddle board with no issues.

 

[Lincolnunit]

Hmmm I need to put two kayaks on that thing each weighing approximately 30-35 lbs (on top of a Yakima J style carrier). Think that will be safe provided I don’t use the highway and stay around 40mph? If not I will try to squeeze my 10 foot kayak into the explorer somehow...perhaps with all the seats down to include the front passenger side?