The Ford Escape has always been known for being stylish, sophisticated, and can easily pass off for a family car. Moreover, its internal space is one to be reckoned with; hence, you can be sure that you'll forever be comfortable going for those trips or anytime while on the road. With that said, having the best roof rack for ford escape can come in handy in ensuring no one has to compromise any legroom.
Whether you have a 2018 ford escape or the latest 2020 ford escape, we've outlined the best ford escape roof racks that guarantee sufficient storage and are durable. We also listed features to consider when buying them.
What Is A Roof Rack?
Roof racks are thin rails that run east to west across the roof of your car, allowing you to carry heavier loads. They are designed to handle more cargo weight and come in different carrier forms.
You can find bike racks, cargo boxes, cargo bags, cargo baskets, ski racks, etc. When selecting the best roof rack for ford escape, it's important to pay attention to the weight as you don't want to run the risk of overloading your car.
The picks are our recommendations of the best ford escape roof racks that are sure to guarantee premium quality.
1. Thule WingBar Evo Load Bars
Specially designed for cars with a bare roof, this is the best roof rack for ford escape in the range 2017 -2019.
The roof rack uses WindDiffuser technology to disturb airflow, thus reducing noise and drag for improved fuel economy.
The TrailEdge design reduces aerodynamic drag by allowing clean air separation from the bar. In addition, SmartSlides' slidable length scale doubles as an under-bar aerodynamic cover, providing quick, no-hassle rack installation.
The Thule roof rack features a swing blade end cap that pivots open to allow easy access to the T-track for easy installation of accessories.
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2. YAKIMA Showcase Rooftop Cargo Box
The Yakima cargo box is perfect if you've got a Ford Escape as it's designed to provide extra storage space for larger vehicles, SUVs, and wagons.
The roof cargo box provides an additional 20 cubic feet of storage, allowing you extra space for gear while on a trip with friends or family.
The roof cargo box is compatible with round, aerodynamic, factory, and square crossbars. In addition, the tail clearance is designed to allow extra clearance; thus, you don't have to worry about hitting the cargo box when you need to use the trunk.
The Yakima cargo box also boasts a pretty neat feature in that it has a dual-sided opening allowing for easy access. Additionally, the roof rack system is equipped with internal lif stiffeners and sturdy locks; hence you can be sure there'll be no rack failure while you're on the road.
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3. Yakima Forklift Bike Rack
Yakima - ForkLift Fork Mount Bike Carrier for Roof Racks, 1 Bike Capacity
- FITS MOST DISC BRAKES: Fits bikes that use standard 100 mm x 9 mm...
- ADJUSTABLE LENGTH: Sliding wheel tray is easy to adjust and...
- ROOF RACK REQUIRED: Crossbar spread minimum of 16" and maximum of...
- NO FRAME CONTACT: ForkLift holds the bike by the front axle and...
- PROTECT YOUR GEAR: Add SKS (Same Key System) locks (sold...
The Yakima Forklift Bike Rack is made of durable steel, allowing for mounting different sizes, frames, and weights. In addition, it's super versatile in that it clamps the bike's front fork to keep them in place, thus making it easy to use.
The bike rack can be installed on a bare roof; hence if you have a 2017 ford escape or 2018 ford escape, this can rack system can work. The bike rack design can also be installed if your crossbars are round or square. In addition, it features a lock mechanism that helps guarantee the security of your bikes.
The roof rack features a lightweight design, making it easy to lift the carrier and put it on the back of a ford escape.
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4. Thule Force XT Rooftop Cargo Box
Thule Force XT Rooftop Cargo Box, XX-Large, Black
- An oversized, versatile roof-mounted cargo box for everyday use
- Provides 22 cubic feet of additional packing space
- Designed to fit a wide range a vehciles with maximum space...
- Quick-mount system "clicks" when roof box is secure and properly...
- Dual-side opening for easy access to all areas of the box, from...
The Thule Force XT Cargo Box boasts 22 cubic feet of additional storage space ideal for families, traveling with friends, or a solo trip that requires a lot of gear.
The Ford escape roof rack system can fit up to 7 pairs of skis or 5 snowboards.
It's a great choice to look for a ford escape roof rack system that can fit enough gear while also giving you more space for additional items like a tent.
The Thule roof cargo box is designed with a quick-mount system hence it "clicks" when the roof box is secure and properly mounted. In addition, it features a dual-sided opening that allows for easy access.
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5. Rhino Rack 2500 Series
Thule Force XT Rooftop Cargo Box, XX-Large, Black
- An oversized, versatile roof-mounted cargo box for everyday use
- Provides 22 cubic feet of additional packing space
- Designed to fit a wide range a vehciles with maximum space...
- Quick-mount system "clicks" when roof box is secure and properly...
- Dual-side opening for easy access to all areas of the box, from...
The Rhino-Rack 2500 Roof rack is ideal if your ford escape doesn't have roof rails. For example, you might have the 2019 Ford escape that capes with a bare roof. This is the best roof for ford escape, especially if you're considering carrying heavy outdoor equipment like kayaks.
The Rhino-Rack can be mounted above the front and rear door. It features lockable legs for added security and comes with a master key.
The Rhino-Rack has a leg attachment that's easily installed and removed.
Lastly, the kayak rack is compatible with a range of accessories.
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Features To Consider When Buying Best Roof Rack For Ford Escape
a) Type of Roof Rack
Roof racks come in different types, and the type found on a car plays a huge role in what cargo carrier you opt for.
Some cars like the 2020 Ford Escape have a naked roof, meaning there are no side roof rails or crossbars.
While other cars have side rails or a full roof rack, these cars tend to be easier to fit and are designed specifically to hold a carrier. Therefore, it is essential to check the mounting of the carrier you want to but to ensure that it will easily fit on your roof rack without sliding or making installation difficult.
In addition, since more roof racks tend to feature straps or adjustable clips, which work on the various roof and square roof racks, you'll want to ensure that the roof rack systems can actually fit your car.
It's also important to consider the model year of your car as this can determine what type of roof rack you opt for.
- Types of Roof Racks
- Bare Roof: Can be considered the most common roof type in most car models today. Vehicles have a bare roof with no factory pre-installed rack.
- Raised Rail: Also known as the raised side rails, these racks systems are found on many SUVs, wagons, and minivans. Raised side rails are stylish factory-installed roof attached that runs from front to back on the outer edges of the vehicle's roof. Connecting a crossbar system to raised side rails is pretty simple and does not require a vehicle-specific fit kit, just the load bars, and foot pack. They offer the versatility to choose the optimum crossbar placement along the raised sections for a wide variety of loads to be carried.
- Flush Rails: This is the newest style of rail design that has recently been introduced to many European makes. The rails are flush to the roof without any space between the rail and the roof. There is typically an inconspicuous inner and/or outer groove that allows a crossbar system connection.
b) Height, Weight, and Shape
Ideally, when searching for the best roof rack for ford escape, you want one that's strong but not heavy. Most racks are made of heavy materials like steel, making them clunky, but you don't have to compromise strength to lose weight. Some racks are made of aluminum which tends to be lighter than steel and has more strength and load-carrying capacity.
In addition, you'll want to consider how much weight a roof rack adds to your ford escape. Check your car's guidelines on how much weight can be loaded onto the roof, and keep in mind the weight distribution.
When adding a roof rack system, you have to consider overhead clearance as the rack increases your escape slightly, while carrying equipment will limit the areas you can reach with it. You'll want to ensure that you're still able to fit in garages or underground spaces with the addition of a roof rack.
Lastly, roof rack systems come in a wide array of shapes and styles. The style is dependent on the cargo you want to carry. For instance, a cargo box is different from a bike rack.
c) Consider An Adaptable Design
Selecting a modular roof rack allows for easy assembly. In addition, it lets you add rack slats for different uses, such as contributing a full platform or swapping out accidental damage and adding items like expedition rails. The great thing about having an adaptable rack is that it can change at any given time, depending on what you need.
d) Does it Allow For Versatility?
It's always advisable to invest in roof rack systems that can be used for multiple purposes. Ideally, you want the best roof rack for ford escape with the widest range of accessories as it allows for endless adventure possibilities. Therefore, ensure that your roof rack system can accommodate mounts for water and fuel cans, skis, snowboards, and whatever else you may need.
Most companies tend to make it difficult to put competitors' accessories on their rack; hence selecting a reach that allows flexibility in this area to avoid locking yourself out of options is key.
e) Strength and Durability
Investing in strong and durable rack systems is essential as they guarantee a long life of the product and the value of money. Roof racks face many brave conditions; hence having one that can fall apart is key. The last thing you want is in the middle of your trip, your cargo box flies open, or there's some rack failure. Therefore, ensure that the rack manufacturer specializes in building gear that has been proven in harsh conditions. You can do this by reading customer reviews on the durability of the product.
f) Noise Impact and Fuel Economy
Regardless of the roof rack system you select, you're likely to experience wind noise. It will also impact your fuel economy. However, it is possible to purchase the best ford escape roof racks with a low noise profile and are not harsh on your fuel economy.
A roof rack system with a low profile makes loading and unloading gear easier, gives easier access to low parking garages, and creates less drag which means less noise and better fuel mileage.
g) Material Used
The material used to construct the roof rack system and accessories is crucial as it determines the durability. Unfortunately, some rack systems are made of plastic which tends to be brittle, has an inferior load rating, fades in the sun, and is more likely to break.
While others use metal which tends to make the rack system heavier but is more durable.
h) Ease of Installation
This is an essential factor as you want a rack system that you can easily install. For example, some rack systems require the tightening or securing of straps for them to be properly installed onto roof rails or crossbars. In contrast, others use a universal mounting system that tightens with a turn of a knob.