Roof rack cross bars - torx bit

[Matthew Abrams]

Our '20 MAX came with the factory cross rails and is states in the manual that there should have been a Torx bit included. Any idea on where they hide that thing?

on another note, I just bought a Thule Motion XT XL roof box, and the standard cross rail positions are no good for it. In the maximum configuration (1st & 3rd) the clamps wont reach, therefore you need to move the 3rd position into the 2nd which does not allow for proper weight distribution on a box that size. Luckily I still have a set of Thule Aero Bars that I can affix, but need to remove the factory ones first.

 

[sjwhiteley]

I'm a bit disappointed with the 'fixed' locations of the crossbars, also.

The torx bit that I got was actually one of those cheap disposable bent bits of metal with a torx on each end. It works fine, but easy to loose - might be buried in the recesses of the center console or either glove box?. If yours came with the bars mounted, then I expect it was fitted using a proper torx wrench and the bit thrown away with the box the bars came in.

 

[Ryeguy44]

I too was really disappointed with the preset positions for the factory roof rails. They force me to put my Thule rooftop carrier in an awkward position (too far back or forward). I plan on getting this setup instead.

https://www.etrailer.com/Roof-Rack/Yakima/Y00426.html

 

[JEFF WISECARVER]

Had anyone made new positions on the rails.. Like a self tapper kinda thing?

 

[Fizzy]

That’s why I didn’t buy a Thule. I got the Yakima Skybox. Its maximum span reaches the rear rail in its factory position.

It’s also made in the USA.

 

[buckwheat-phd]

Did Ford offer cross bars as a factory option? Are they available post? I've seen some examples on Ebay that look pretty good, but don't know what I'm looking at

 

[Fizzy]

Did Ford offer cross bars as a factory option? Are they available post? I've seen some examples on Ebay that look pretty good, but don't know what I'm looking at

They come standard on the Platinum trim.

 

[Jamaican Cruiser]

I have a Max with the exact Yakima box. I also have a shorter box the I used for quick beach trips, and I simply added a third cross bar to mine had have had no issues. Normally you leave the rear bar and move the front, so I just bought an addition front and left it mounted.

 

[Gumby]

The crossbars were not standard with the Platinum on my 2018. They are part of the cargo package. My 2018 didn't have that option so I purchased the OE cross bars separately. I received a Torx driver with my bars. However, the screws and torx driver are trash. I take my bars on and off often and almost immediately some screws were stripped. The provided Torx driver is terrible to get any leverage off (so small and thin), so you will need to use your own. In my case, I literally had to cut one of the screws off with a welding torch. I replaced the screws with ones that were beefier. Problem solved.

 

[Fizzy]

I have a Max with the exact Yakima box. I also have a shorter box the I used for quick beach trips, and I simply added a third cross bar to mine had have had no issues. Normally you leave the rear bar and move the front, so I just bought an addition front and left it mounted.

Not a bad idea that... does the extra middle crossbar interfere with the Yakima Skybox? I imagine it actually lends extra passive support.