Let's see your cargo baskets.

[ThreeJs]

I am looking into getting a cargo basket. Plan on using stock rails. It would be used mainly for tossing up bags, maybe some luggage or a cooler. No plans on tossing a tire up there.
This one is what I have my eye on.

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Don't need a high end basket.
Show what your running and what you use it for.

 

[96EXXLTinCO]

I recommend getting the extension with that rack, IMO it just looks too small by itself, and there really isn't a lot of space. Here is that rack assembled and installed on my '96

and here it is with the extension and 3 tires and rims for my car I pulled out of storage

I got the rack from amazon, and the extension from Cabela's. Amazon and Cabela's each showed really different measurements in their ads for what appeared to be the same product, it's only because one is measured on the outside, and the other was measured on the inside, the extension was a bit of a bear to get in, I had to elongate a couple holes, and it was a tight fit, but as you can see, works fine.

 

[ThreeJs]

I like the look of the extended version. Is it mounted to the stock rails with no issues?
Looks like a good place for lighting as well.
We just got back from a trip to San Diego and I realize a basket would definitely help. The cargo area fills up pretty quick when going away for a couple of weeks. We are trying to keep enough room for our two Labs, 85 & 95 Lbs., to be comfortable with room to move and lay down.
Our Boys, Jake (Black) and Jackson(Chocolate)...the reason we bought the Explorer.
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[96EXXLTinCO]

Yes, it mounts right to the stock rails, 3 car tires with aluminum rims is the most I've had up there so far, but I plan on making my own rails eventually that will be stronger as well as lower it a little closer to the roof. I have already mounted 4 lights across the back and have yet to decide on what to put on the front, but whether it's an LED bar or individual lights, either one wouldn't be too difficult with a little engineering. I know what you mean about space, I have a speaker box and a storage box with tools, tow strap, jumper cables etc in the back and there's no room left. If I can remember to I'll grab a pic of the mounts it comes with and whatnot at lunch today (I work sundays, but I work from home). I just posted a couple I already had on my computer.

 

[SLAYERMIKE]

I have no complaints about the Rola rack I've had for a couple years now, I recently added the extension and 2 extra cross bars.

 

[ThreeJs]

What is the length of your racks with the extension installed?
Looks like most are mid 40" before the extension.
Found one that is 62.5"L x 45"W x 6.25" tall sides w/150 LBS capacity.
I haven't measured the roof width yet. Should fit?
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[ThreeJs]

What is the length of your racks with the extension installed?
Looks like most are mid 40" before the extension.
Found one that is 62.5"L x 45"W x 6.25" tall sides w/150 LBS capacity.
I haven't measured the roof width yet. Should fit?

Ordered this roof basket for $149. Should get it by next week. Pics to come.....

 

[YTF0rd]

sweet please post pics. Where did you buy it from?

 

[Paraphoe]

I have a Lund rack. It's held up very well for about 10 years, but I think it's time to take it down and get it re-powdercoated. There's about 400 photos in my registry linked in my sig.

 

[ThreeJs]

sweet please post pics. Where did you buy it from?

You can order it off ebay or amazon. Same price either way, search part RBC-6245HD
Easy to assemble. Total of 6 long bolts/nuts for the frame and 6 nuts/bolts for the air deflector.
The deflector looks like a good spot for a EF Decal. Are they still available?
Plans are to add at least 1 more crossbar in the future.
Pics.
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[K-A]

You can order it off ebay or amazon. Same price either way, search part RBC-6245HD
Easy to assemble. Total of 6 long bolts/nuts for the frame and 6 nuts/bolts for the air deflector.
The deflector looks like a good spot for a EF Decal. Are they still available?
Plans are to add at least 1 more crossbar in the future.
Pics.

ThreeJs,

Did yours arrive scratched or dinged up.
I am thinking about buying this one but I read a lot of negative feedback from people on Amazon saying theirs arrived all scratched up because it was not properly packed in the box. Also, some people said that no matter how much they tightened it down, it rattles and makes noise. Do you notice that?

Thanks!

 

[drifterboy3]

I have the same basket. I actually welded in a 3rd bar on top so I have a way to mount snowboards up there I've had my spare up there for about a year. It sags but hasn't broken. I just wish the bottom was sturdier

 

[drifterboy3]

ThreeJs,

Did yours arrive scratched or dinged up.
I am thinking about buying this one but I read a lot of negative feedback from people on Amazon saying theirs arrived all scratched up because it was not properly packed in the box. Also, some people said that no matter how much they tightened it down, it rattles and makes noise. Do you notice that?

Thanks!

I have the same one and didn't have a problem with mine being scratched nor do I hear rattling

 

[ThreeJs]

K A ..
I don't have any problems with rattling. I haven't heard any noise at all.
It did have a couple of scratches on the rails which I'll touch up with paint. I really don't think it's the packaging though. I believe it's from UPS using the packing straps to manhandle it, it weighs around 50 lbs. The package arrived with the straps cutting through the cardboard box.
I got mine through ebay from discountramps. They have a return policy but buyer pays return shipping. I figured a can of touch up was cheaper than returning for another that also may arrive scratched.
LOL..it's actually on sale right now for cheaper than I paid.
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Drifterboy...
My future plans are to add 1 or 2 more crossbars. I don't think I need the extra support but it's an easy addition that will add support to the mesh bottom.

 

[drifterboy3]

K A ..
I don't have any problems with rattling. I haven't heard any noise at all.
It did have a couple of scratches on the rails which I'll touch up with paint. I really don't think it's the packaging though. I believe it's from UPS using the packing straps to manhandle it, it weighs around 50 lbs. The package arrived with the straps cutting through the cardboard box.
I got mine through ebay from discountramps. They have a return policy but buyer pays return shipping. I figured a can of touch up was cheaper than returning for another that also may arrive scratched.
LOL..it's actually on sale right now for cheaper than I paid.


Drifterboy...
My future plans are to add 1 or 2 more crossbars. I don't think I need the extra support but it's an easy addition that will add support to the mesh bottom.

How do you plan to reinforce the bottom? I've thought about it but don't know a goof way to do it

 

[ThreeJs]

How do you plan to reinforce the bottom? I've thought about it but don't know a good way to do it

Adding another set of stock crossbars underneath, like SLAYERMIKE did, examine his pic. It will support the mesh bottom, less space between crossbars will allow less sag in the middle when loaded.

 

[K-A]

K A ..
I don't have any problems with rattling. I haven't heard any noise at all.
It did have a couple of scratches on the rails which I'll touch up with paint. I really don't think it's the packaging though. I believe it's from UPS using the packing straps to manhandle it, it weighs around 50 lbs. The package arrived with the straps cutting through the cardboard box.
I got mine through ebay from discountramps. They have a return policy but buyer pays return shipping. I figured a can of touch up was cheaper than returning for another that also may arrive scratched.
LOL..it's actually on sale right now for cheaper than I paid.


Drifterboy...
My future plans are to add 1 or 2 more crossbars. I don't think I need the extra support but it's an easy addition that will add support to the mesh bottom.

Thanks!
I am definitely going to order this now! I really like the way it looks on yours.
I am also going to look into getting an additional crossbar to support the middle.

Really appreciate the info... This forum is great!

 

[96EXXLTinCO]

Mine is just on the two stock roof bars, but I plan on making my own crossbars out something like 1"x1" square tubing, and making mounts to go in the same facotry channel. That way I can take the basket off and have a nice flat set of roof bars as well, as a stronger base for the basket. I believe there was a guy on here that already made his own similar to what I was thinking. I'll see if I can find it.

 

[96EXXLTinCO]

Here it is. This guy has a bad-ass truck. But here's his thread on how he did his.
http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=291714

P.S. Nice work [MENTION=28375]Paraphoe[/MENTION] , I like what you did.

 

[Paraphoe]

Thanks for the love , 99.

5 years later and the rack & basket are still going strong. Both need a little powder coat touch up, but that's a "maybe next spring" project".

I highly recommend this setup for anyone who wants a stronger support for a basket.