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I remember a post a while back about the roof racks. The topic refered to removing the racks because of some problems. The clearence is very small if any. Do the racks rub?
I don't know if yours has these, but mine had not only the two brackets at each end but two cross members between the ends. Those two in between were VERY close to the paint on top of the Ex. So close, in fact, that when I would close the last door, the roof would flex and contact those cross pieces making a noticible "thud" on the roof. I removed all four brackets and now closing the doors is a silent process.
I remember a post a while back about the roof racks. The topic refered to removing the racks because of some problems. The clearence is very small if any. Do the racks rub?
Anyone recall?
Thanks,
Brew Camper
2005 Limited X
yes they rub, I took them off as soon as I discovered that they rubbed (thanks to this site). Had to carry an extension ladder home from home depot and put them back on and scratched the roof in the process....they are a very bad design, not enough clearance.
I agree that they rub the paint off. I normally keep mine in the attic.
Unrotunately, this means that, to carry an extension ladder, I have to install the racks and later remove them.
I keep the "X" in the garage, so I have no desire to install Yakima or similar roof rack bars--these typically stand up 2 - 4" additional and make a lot of wind noise.
Is there a good replacement out there? I mean roof rack bars that leave 1/2" or so of clearance? If there were, I might be first in line to buy them.
There is nothing special about my garage, and that is where the X lives.
Stock roof rack was removed (rubbing) and four Yakima bars were installed. With the Yakima spoiler in front there is no clearance issue, but the antennae does hit.
I do have to put a bungee on the door to hold it ALL the way up (open), cheap price for the protection.
There is nothing special about my garage, and that is where the X lives.
Stock roof rack was removed (rubbing) and four Yakima bars were installed. With the Yakima spoiler in front there is no clearance issue, but the antennae does hit.
I do have to put a bungee on the door to hold it ALL the way up (open), cheap price for the protection.
Mine also I put alittle rubber in between, what model rack did you get? Do you have a direct url?
How did you widen the explorer crossbars? I would like to add a set to my X but may just look to an aftermarket product.
I bought five used crossbars via eBay. They're aluminum bars with plastic towers. I cut one of 'em to make four pieces that were TIG welded to the other crossbars. Drilled new holes to attach the crossbars to the towers, sanded the welds flush, sprayed a coat of rattle-can paint, and I was done.
To answer the direct fit question, yes the side brackets fit in the factory tracks. The bars then attach to the brackets. The catalog will tell all, but I have the boxes floating around if you need part numbers.
I have four on mine, but it depends upon what you need. But I have never been in a situation where I thought it was too much. I have too many toys.
I bought five used crossbars via eBay. They're aluminum bars with plastic towers. I cut one of 'em to make four pieces that were TIG welded to the other crossbars. Drilled new holes to attach the crossbars to the towers, sanded the welds flush, sprayed a coat of rattle-can paint, and I was done.
How much clearance do you now have? Are the towers just like the Excursion? What year(s) model of Explorer?