i want to put a heavy duty safari basket rack such as the Surco basket on the top of my truck (06 FX4 Screw), but surco wants to charge out the *** for a rail system and yakima makes a basket as well but the Q towers and cross bars alone for my truck are $300 not including the basket! I saw the other day at lowes a guy had a chevy 2500 crew cab with a basket on it but he had put the factory chevy avalanche crossbars on his roof and then put the basket on top and it worked really well. SO, my question is, has anyone seen heard of or know about maybe fitting an expedition factory crossbar set up to a screw before? is it possible? any better ideas?

 

I can't answer your question, but it sounds like a workable plan.

However I just wanted to tell you that I had a similar thing a few years ago. I got rid of it, because it was too difficult to load and unload, and worse yet, it cost me about four miles per gallon!!!

 

i was figuring fuel mileage would go down but im already in the hole with the considering i have a ton of tools in my truck for work and when im not working im loaded down with waterskiing equip. and towing a ski boat thats why the roof basket will come in handy lol

 

have you priced out the OEM Ford roof racks for the F-150?

they were/are an option. Never seen 'em in person, but I know they exist

 

check this link: Ford F150 Photos - Safari Rack

 

I have the Yakima basket with Q-towers and crossbars. While I agree that they were not cheap, when I take it off, there are only the 4 pods on the roof and I have no loss of fuel mileage and I don't have to deal with the look of any crossbars left on the roof. Also, the Yakima system is VERY sturdy and a well made product that can be locked to the roof. I have mine mounted on the fiberglass bed cap of my truck.

Cheers,

GD.