Many Ford vehicles are compatible with roof racks. Roof racks offer convenience, but you should know how to use them properly. Follow the tips below when you’re adding a roof rack to your Ford vehicle to ensure a safe and functional experience.
1. Choose the Right Option
Each roof rack available doesn’t fit on every vehicle. Make sure that the unit you’re considering is designed for your Ford vehicle. Some products come from the same manufacturers that produce the components used to put together Ford vehicles, while others are known as aftermarket products, which means they come from other manufacturers. Before you purchase a roof rack, ensure that the rack has been designed to fit with your vehicle, adheres to the roof securely, and provides a tight fit.
2. Look at Your Vehicle Design
The design of your Ford vehicle will also play a role in what you can carry on the roof. A small sedan has a different body style and level of roof curvature than a three-row SUV, as well as a reduced amount of square footage for a large storage box or rail system. Some SUVs come equipped with roof rails or other mounting components, while others may need these elements added before they can hold up a roof rack.
As you’re shopping for options, you could find a kit, which includes all the components you need to haul items on top of your vehicle. Some of these components include crossbars, foot packs, and fit kits.
3. Understand the Limitations of Your Vehicle’s Roof
A roof rack creates a helpful and functional addition to your car or SUV, since it can provide extra storage space or free up room within the cabin. Every roof rack possesses its own limitations. What you plan to carry will impact which option you choose. For example, if you want a roof rack to mount your bicycle to the top of your vehicle, you can typically choose one with a lower weight capacity since your bike isn’t too heavy. If you plan to haul luggage on road trips, the weight can quickly add up as you start adding more suitcases.
Your vehicle’s roof weight limit usually determines the limiting factor. Check your owner’s manual before you install a roof rack. If you get a rack that can hold a cargo box rated at 200 pounds, but your roof can hold only 100 pounds, you may have overspent on a higher-capacity box that won’t work with your vehicle.
4. Care for Your Roof Rack
You want to care for and check your roof rack often to make sure that it’s properly secured and not causing damage. Dust can collect under the feet, rubbing away the protective clear coat, or straps attached to the rack can rub against the vehicle’s paint job.
At Brown Lee Ford, we carry a line of accessories made to fit your Ford vehicle model perfectly. Stop by and chat with a member of our service team to find out more about what we can help you add to make your vehicle more functional for your needs.
Image via ford.com
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