Roof Rack

[DGreen]

Why can't I use a luggage bag directly on the roof between the rack bars on 2017 xlt? Can it be used for light items?.

 

[Dennis_H]

That's what I do... I put a pad under it, strap it between the bars and never had an issue. Make sure all the straps and tie down ends are secured or you will be driven crazy with the slapping noise and will wear them out quickly.

I won't put anything big up there again. Had kayaks on J brackets and it ended up folding a crossbar, then ripping off the roof rack rail. Kayak was still secured nicely to the J bracket and bent crossbar though... The rails are only held by 3 threaded inserts into sheet metal. Not into any roof supports of any kind. I rebuilt the roof where they were torn out and used some large fender washers and nuts to build it back up and put on salvage yard roof rack. It may be stronger now than it was, but I won't try them again up there. Have a trailer now for them.

 

[Motorcity muscle]

Never used my roof rack, glad I didn't after hearing this. Wonder how truck would look without one.

 

[Adieu]

OP: It's very squishy. Probably aluminium or something.

 

[sjwelds]

Never used my roof rack, glad I didn't after hearing this. Wonder how truck would look without one.

They look great. Took mine off and plugged the holes with screws and blue loctite

 

[1970Maverick]

I took mine off and plugged the holes with foam insulation pushed down into the threads then sealed them with silicone sealed smoothed down even with the roof. If I ever want to put the rack back I can slice the silicone and push the foam down to expose the threads.

 

[Drae]

Never used my roof rack, glad I didn't after hearing this. Wonder how truck would look without one.

 

[Menard LaDouche]

Hmmm. I put two 17' sea kayaks or one 18' two-seater kayak on my roof rack all the time. It is essential to use a rope from the bow of the boat to the front bumper (with some foam padding on the rope to save the paint). I also have molds to fit the boats to the rack rails (home-made). The force of wind on the boats at 70 mph will definitely force them to "sail" away, and that force is best held with the rope at the bow. Not having a rope at the bow is dangerous, and you will always lose the boat, eventually. I also have a cargo rack, and I regularly carry up to 150 pounds on that, including two 5 gallon gas cans and two 5 gallon water jugs, plus stuff. These are well mounted at their bases and strapped securely. I regularly drive off-road for dozens of miles on genuinely rough roads, and have never had a problem.

 

[MRB14]

I also have a cargo rack, and I regularly carry up to 150 pounds on that, including two 5 gallon gas cans and two 5 gallon water jugs, plus stuff. These are well mounted at their bases and strapped securely. I regularly drive off-road for dozens of miles on genuinely rough roads, and have never had a problem.

What brand of cargo rack are you using? I'm still gathering info and knowledge on which roof rack will suit me the best.

 

[Timo2824]

2,000 mile round trip with a Thule large cargo box loaded with ~60lbs of beach junk. Up to 100mph short bursts, and 90mph sustained with zero issues so far. I didn't want to go over 80mph, but frustration with some other drivers really got to me after the first 6 hours of driving.

 

[Logan97]

I know this is gonna sound stupid but I put a metal rowboat up there all the time and haven't had an issue yet.

 

[MRB14]

just wondering if anyone has any feedback about the Rhino-Rack Vortex. I am still making my mind on what to get. Not planing to have heavy loads on it.

 

[MRB14]

2,000 mile round trip with a Thule large cargo box loaded with ~60lbs of beach junk. Up to 100mph short bursts, and 90mph sustained with zero issues so far. I didn't want to go over 80mph, but frustration with some other drivers really got to me after the first 6 hours of driving.

Same here. I had some other trucks with roof racks and I have had any issues with them. I found really good roof racks but I decided the get the Rhino-Rack Vortex. Let's see how it goes.