I'm going to purchase a rooftop carrier box for an Escape. Am I stuck with the smallish one that fits without extending past the windshield? Or can I get a larger one and go out over the windshield? Like a canoe. I'm afraid the longer unit will wind buffet. Canoes are v-shaped on the bottom. The Thule or Yakima carriers are pretty flat on the bottom, and 3' wide!

 

I think that if you must get a carrier that is longer than the rooftop, it would be better to have it hang over the rear than the front. But that'll limit how far the hatch will open. If it hangs over the front, it's gonna want to lift badly from the air under it pushing upward, and at hiway speeds, that can be a lot of stress.

Dave

 

If you get the big one please post a picture of it on the Escape.

 

So you all can have a good laugh I suppose?

 

What ever you choose, make sure it has a good aerodynamic shape because a good gusty wind is gonna make that little truck feel like a Styrofoam cup with the wrong box up there!

 

You're good at supposing.

 

Ordered last night. She's 84" long. I think it will JUST fit nicely. Thanks for the advise folks. I'll post a picture after it's installed.

 

I hate to state the obvious, but every once-in-a-while somebody comes along who needs it.

Just be careful not to overload it and be aware that any weight added to the top of the vehicle raises the center of gravity, so slower turns and cloverleaves may be necessary.

Dave

 

You are very right. The FWD and AWD Escapes have the same ground clearance, and are kind of high. We'll be careful! We'll have dogs in the car that don't like being tossed about.