roof rack bars, and a hitch carrier

[ThunderbirdSport]

What's the best roof rack bars? The family and I are planning some camping trips for later this year, and with the 6 of us, I'm gonna need some room for gear lol.

I'm also looking at some of those hitch carriers...

Of course, the hitch carrier goes out the window if I buy a camper..

Thoughts and opinions from those who have them? Thanks!

 

[Greg_DonWindsor]

I had a pair of Yakima Whispbars (currently for sale actually) on my 2000 Limited for years, and they were very sturdy, aerodynamic, produced no noticeable wind noise, and had a significantly greater load bearing capacity than the factory crossbars. They also lock to the roof to prevent theft.

Thule is also another reputable aftermarket roof rack provider, although I've never personally owned a set.

 

[ThunderbirdSport]

Saw your sale thread, damn, I've got an '06.
Thanks for the heads up though. For sure, am going to get a hitch carrier. We go out of state for the wife's family reunion/Labor Day weekend getaway. There's 6 of us, 4 kids, and her and myself.

Need me more cargo capability

 

[Greg_DonWindsor]

Saw your sale thread, damn, I've got an '06.
Thanks for the heads up though. For sure, am going to get a hitch carrier. We go out of state for the wife's family reunion/Labor Day weekend getaway. There's 6 of us, 4 kids, and her and myself.

Need me more cargo capability

Thule makes a nice hitch mounted cargo carrier that Yakima doesn't have a competing product for. I prefer Yakima's rooftop cargo box design. I own a Skybox 21 from them, and it's easily the best $1000 I ever spent on my truck.