Recommended Rooftop Cargo Basket for 2005 Ford Escape with Factory Roof Rack  

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Expert Reply:

The Surco Safari Rack 5.0 Rooftop Cargo Basket # SPS4550-Y400 is designed specifically for installation on Yakima brand roof racks but we do offer cargo baskets that will work on the factory-installed roof rack on your 2005 Ford Escape XLT.

All you need to do is measure your cross bars. You'll want to measure their center-to-center spread and also the bars' own width and height as these factors determine which rooftop basket will fit on your rack.

Some baskets require your bar spread to be one of a few specific distances, such as the Curt basket # C18115, which fits bar spreads of 15-, 22- or 29-inches. This basket fits on bars that are up to 3-inches wide x 1-5/8-inches tall. Thule's Canyon # TH859XT will fit bar spreads anywhere from 20- to 37-inches and an extension is available # TH8591XT to add 20 more inches of capacity.
Neither requires any adapters.

All baskets for factory bars are shown on the linked page. Please feel free to tell me your bar spread and bar size dimensions and what you intend to carry and I will be glad to help you find the best option for your cargo and budget.

Often users of rooftop cargo carriers choose a step to make loading and unloading easier. We offer a tire-mount step # HE4040 that simply slips over a rear tire when you need some height advantage, and we also offer simple folding steps like # TE97FR.

Keep in mind that your roof has a specific weight rating, which should be noted in your owner's manual. The total combined weight of your chosen carrier and your loaded cargo cannot exceed the vehicle roof weight rating. For example, let's say your manual indicates a 125-lb weight capacity and you select the Thule Canyon basket. Since this basket weighs 29-lbs, you could then load cargo with a weight up to 96-lbs.

expert reply by: Adam R

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