safari roof rack

[Soskfi]

Hey guys/gals,
I'm thinkin bout getting a roof rack on my 99 Exp. Sport. I understand its a cinch to install, but they only come in one size(that I have seen). Does that size fit(look good) on a sport? If any one has any pics of this, that would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

 

[SplashMan]

Cameron has one on his 97 and it looks great. I put one on my 99XLT and it was a breeze.

Here is Cam's

 

[offroader_69_me]

mounting

I really really hope alot of people read this thread, I need some info on how everyone mounted their racks, I have a Yakima load warrior about 36 inches wide and almost 5 1/2 feet long, I had it mounted on the factory rack bars just like Yakima said, the rack is really light, but I threw my spare up there a 33x12.50 on a steel rim off a 93 ranger, not sure of the exact weight but it is heavy, I strapped it down and the only movement is the rack giving which is very minimal. Anyway I ran it like this for about 3 months, with just minimal offroad but multiple trips up and down one of our main roads(brick and rougher than hell). Ok sorry dragging this out a little bit, We went wheelin last week and as we hit a big dip with a rather sharp exit kinda fast not enought to bring the front wheels off the ground but providing a decent jolt there was a nice loud smack on top of the roof, we stopped and got out to see the front part of the rack laying on the roof the front factory bar had separated both ends had come off the main bar. Well we "clipped"(so we thought) them back in a proceeded well not so smartly we hit the dip again about the same speed, this time no noises, but decided we had better check to make sure everything was ok, well we opened the doors and to our surprise, the rack was..... GONE.
Both bars broke off their mounts and the rack was laying behind us on the ground about 20 yards back, we tied it on with those nifty little tie downs on the rack rails and made it home, so now I am in a great dillema HOW IN THE @#$&) DO I MOUNT MY RACK???? if anyone has any input I would be greatly appreciative, as I have a great rack, and no where to put it and as you know there is no where for a spare either!!!!
Thanks Marshall

 

[offroader_69_me]

bump

I dont meen to be a pain in the a** but I am dieing without my rack on HHHHHEEEEEELLLLPPPPPPP!

 

[rockymntnhi]

I have the same rack ,thnx for the info... To answer your question though, Yakima makes Track Rider Bars they mount in the factory roof rack rails ( just like stock cross bars) They include the new feet/ rails and INCREASE load capacity. You can buy them @ your Ford dealer for around $95 or a yakima dealer but will probably cost more?!.

 

[rockylaurence]

High speed projectile!

Ah; well uhm. It's like this. No manufacturer (that I know of) will advertise the use of their racks as tire carriers. First, a 130+ pound tire or any heavy object will release during a collision and could cause serious damage. Second, latching the tire to the carrier will only ensure that the 40 lb. carrier is now flying with the spare tire in a crash. I wouldn't place the tire up there do to the posible liabilities should an accident happen.
I would hate to be on the receiving end of a 33 inch spare travaling at 65 MPH.

 

[rockymntnhi]

That makes sense , but why to they all sell spare tire attachments/brackets ? Seems like they would do some testing before producing and selling ?? Don't you think ???

 

[arsoul]

This is nice to know. I have the Yakima with the spare tire mount. I've had a 31x10.5 up there for several months with no problems, but at the end of the week I'm going to a 33x12.5. Looks like I'm gonna be making the bumper/tire carrier a little sooner than I thought.