longer roof rack, set up for ladders

[shouldv1]

Has anyone suggestions for extending an Explorer roof rack to accommodate extension ladders? I think having three flat cross bars, essentially adding one to the front (no sunroof) would safely secure and support a 16 and 20 ft lightweight Werners, approx. 50 lbs.

 

[rego]

I've used the dense foam blocks made for hauling canoes. They have notches in them to "clip" onto ladder,canoe....... I ran a ratchet type strap over the canoe then through the two open front doors. The doors closed air tight. If you have to do this a lot it's a pain.

 

[corkey]

look for some cheap roof racks that use suction cups or pads, but fastening them to the roof will be a pain, no drip rail.unless you have the factory roof racks,
than there is a way to use the factory fastening hardware with a longer bolt that fits the in rail clips,,

 

[Silver X]

These hitch mount rack extenders work good for carrying canoes, so should work for a ladder. I've seen them mounted in front receivers too, but don't know how bad it would decrease visibility, or if there are any laws against that.

http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/t...061390&cm_ite=0030168017442a&_requestid=42368

 

[Silver X]

Also just noticed these inflatable temporary roof racks. Could use it as an extra bar in front of your stock bars.

http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/t...parentType=index&indexId=cat603344&hasJS=true

 

[shouldv1]

Thanks for the replies, inflatable one looks doable. What about a raingutter mount in the front to make for a third crossbar? It would have to be the same height as the stock bar. Does Thule or Yakima or other aftermarket companies offer an add-on to the stock rack?

 

[asiedydd]

Myself (and several coworkers) are home inspectors, that have each had Explorers at some point. The stock racks have worked fine for 28' light duty aluminum extension ladders. For 32' ladders, Thule cross bars attached to the stock rails works well.

 

[toypaseo]

Someone (like Thule or Yakima) make universal tracks something like these...

Oddly enough, I think I might have some sort of universal tracks in my garage somewhere... PM me if interested...

 

[David in NC]

Couldn't you just get a rail off another X and use it to extend the rack forward on yours?

 

[rabbit91]

Couldn't you just get a rail off another X and use it to extend the rack forward on yours?

Exactly what I have been thinking

Bumpity

 

[TomCat_Ford]

Couldn't you just get a rail off another X and use it to extend the rack forward on yours?

Exactly what I have been thinking

Bumpity

Old thread!

I extended the roof rack on my 1996 Explorer that way. I simply cut down the roof rack rails of another Explorer and added them in front of the factory rails. I loved the look and thought it was how it should have looked from the factory. Sorry, I don't have any pictures as that was 12 years ago!

 

[rabbit91]

Old thread!

I extended the roof rack on my 1996 Explorer that way. I simply cut down the roof rack rails of another Explorer and added them in front of the factory rails. I loved the look and thought it was how it should have looked from the factory. Sorry, I don't have any pictures as that was 12 years ago!

No worries ! Thanks for the reply