Extra cargo

MtnBiker · Mar 4, 2019

I use a thule rooftop carrier and a hitch carrier when needed. We do a lot of long haul driving and with 5 of us total we usually have to bring a bunch of stuff.

My hitch rack has a 45° up slant that raises my rack about 6 more inches that a regular flat rack. Helps to keep the stuff back there not to dirty, and gets it a bit higher away from the road heat.

I have 2 large plano bins that i usually keep camping stuff in.

Kjhawkeye1 · Mar 4, 2019

I use a rear hitch rack and weather proof bag on ours when needed. Works great and reduces possible drag compared to a rooftop carrier.

Nakita23 · Mar 4, 2019

Looks like I will probably go with the stowaway or Thule. Thanks for all the suggestions .I'll post a pic when I finally get it up and running

scottdm · Mar 5, 2019

You may want to check the roof rack weight ratings on your 2011 XLT as well. On 4th Gens the max load if you have the panoramic sunroof is only 125 lbs, which is easy to exceed with a full roof box (roof box's weigh about 50 lbs empty). Max tongue weight is 600 lbs (tongue weight includes any cargo behind read axle), so you'd easily have a few hundred lbs of usable capacity in a hitch mounted box.

From the 4th Gen manual:
"The maximum recommended load, evenly distributed on the crossbars, is 200 lb (90 kg) for a normal roof. For a panoramic or vista roof, the maximum recommended load, evenly distributed on the crossbars, is 125 lb (56 kg)."

ExplorerTom · Mar 5, 2019

scottdm said:
(roof box's weigh about 50 lbs empty).

Which roof boxes weigh that much? Pulling up the specs for a Thule that is about 1/2 the width of the Expedition and 64” long, it weighs 35 lbs.

scottdm · Mar 5, 2019

This is the one I was considering for my short wheelbase Expedition. Empty weight shown as 46 lbs.

https://www.thule.com/en-us/us/cargo-carrier/car-top-carrier/thule-motion-xt-xl-_-1691181

Their bigger model, which can be used on the long wheelbase Expeditions, weighs 55 lbs.

https://www.thule.com/en-us/us/cargo-carrier/car-top-carrier/thule-motion-xt-xxl-_-1691183

Dennis_H · Mar 5, 2019

I don't trust the roof rack any more. I had 2 kayaks up there on J brackets and made a whole trip. When I got home and unloaded mine and left the other one to take the 5 mile to my friends, it somehow collapsed the crossbar, which allowed it to rip the rack off the roof and have the kayak come banging down on the side of my 2010. It shouldn't have been the weight. Maybe a strong side gust caught it just right? I ended up replacing the rack, but after seeing how minimally they are in the roof, I have concerns. They are not mounted to any frame, just an insert into the metal. I would carry a travel bag up there, but nothing heavy or able to catch any air.

tcbrad98 · Jan 2, 2022

Black said:
View attachment 28937 View attachment 28938 View attachment 28939

Rear seat folded flat. 7 people 900 mile trip to Cocoa Beach and Disney. I was mainly the stuff carrier everyone else rode in the in-laws Suburban.

It looks tiny on top of the Expedition. Have had it on top of 4 vehicles now. Explorer, Highlander, Expedition, and Escape. The only vehicle where mileage was diminished was with the Escape but the nose of the carrier was out over the windshield.
The thing is great I snagged it on Craigslist brand new for $75. Worth every penny. I would gladly pay $500 or so for a Thule as the hardware and attachment points are so much easier to do.
This is a SportRack which is Thule’s economy line. Thinner plastic cheaper hardware and mounting but this thing is solid and keeps everything dry.
Got hit with straight line winds in WV one summer knocking the vehicle two lanes over. I thought for sure the carrier would be long gone. Nope still on top.
Even useful when it was just my wife and I. Wet dirty stuff goes up top so the vehicle does not smell. All the sandy stuff from the beach goes up top. Skis, boots, poles, up top no slush in the cabin.

Never leaked, no less mpg, no need for a ladder. Expedition I stand on the tire the other smaller SUVs opened the rear door and stood there. Though do use a step ladder at the house as it is a bit easier but no big deal to stand on the tire.

I have one very similar for my Xterra, but I noticed that the Expy crossbars are to small to tighten down the cargo box clamps to. How do you attach yours?

barrydu4 · Jan 2, 2022

When I travel a long way with lots of stuff, I use my 2013 Ford XLT, 4 doors with a tonneau cover. The back seat is roomier that my 2017 Expedition Limited. YOu are just limited to how many people.

ManUpOrShutUp · Jan 2, 2022

FWIW, we use a hitch mounted rack with one of these. Bungees will hold it if it's loaded. Otherwise, ratchet straps. No climbing on the roof to get stuff in/out. No crosswind problems. And we can lift the whole box and roll it into the hotel.

DEWALT Tough Chest 38 in. W 63 Gal. Polypropylene Rolling Tool Box DWST38000 - The Home Depot

The DEWALT DWST38000 63 Gal. Tough Chest is ideal for getting your larger tools and equipment to the jobsite. This chest is designed with 7 in. rubber wheels so one person can easily transport heavy loads.

www.homedepot.com

Extra cargo

MtnBiker

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Kjhawkeye1

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Nakita23

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ExplorerTom

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scottdm

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tcbrad98

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ManUpOrShutUp

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DEWALT Tough Chest 38 in. W 63 Gal. Polypropylene Rolling Tool Box DWST38000 - The Home Depot

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