Options for Carrying 2 Kayaks that Weigh 145 lbs with a 2013 Ford Escape
Question:
I have a 2013 Ford Escape and I am considered the Yakima rail grab system. I want to transport two kayaks. Combined weight of the kayaks is about 145lbs. The specks on the rail grab system state the max capacity is 165lbs. Ford says the max load on the factory cross bars is 100lbs. Will this system work for me? I anticipate needing the 66inch cross bars. Thanks
asked by: Layton L
Expert Reply:
According to the owners manual for the 2013 Ford Escape, the maximum weight capacity of a roof rack for models without the moon roof is 100 lbs and 45 lbs for models with a moon roof. As you stated, the Yakima RailGrab roof rack has a weight capacity of 165 lbs, however, the weight capacity will be limited to the 100 lb weight capacity of the factory side rails on the Escape. I would not recommend carrying both kayaks together with your Ford Escape because it could potentially damage the side rails.
If you have a second vehicle available to haul the second kayak, that may be your most inexpensive option.
If you are interested in towing a trailer, but do not have a trailer hitch or wiring, you can pick up the the Draw-Tite Class III Trailer Hitch, # 75758, and the Tow Ready T-One Wiring Harness, # 118566. I have attached installation instructions and videos of these two parts for you to check out. The Magneta Sports Trailer requires a 2 inch trailer ball, so I recommend using the Curt Ball Mount, # C45010, the 2 Inch Ball, # 63845, and the Pin and Clip, # PC3.
Products Referenced in This Question
T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector
- Custom Fit Vehicle Wiring
- Trailer Hitch Wiring
- Powered Converter
- Custom Fit
- 4 Flat
- Tekonsha
more information >
2" Hitch Ball - 1" Diameter x 2-1/8" Long Shank - Chrome - 7,500 lbs
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Standard Ball
- Chrome-Plated Steel
- 2 Inch Diameter Ball
- 2-1/8 Inch Shank Length
- 1 Inch Diameter Shank
- 7500 lbs GTW
- Class III
- Tow Ready
more information >
Draw-Tite Max-E-Loader Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"
- Trailer Hitch
- Custom Fit Hitch
- Class III
- 675 lbs TW
- 4500 lbs GTW
- 5000 lbs WD GTW
- 2 Inch Hitch
- 675 lbs WD TW
- Visible Cross Tube
- Draw-Tite
more information >
Curt Ball Mount for 2" Hitches - 3/4" Rise, 2" Drop - 8-1/4" Long - 7,500 lbs
- Trailer Hitch Ball Mount
- Fixed Ball Mount
- No Ball
- 1 Inch Ball Hole Diameter
- Steel Shank - Gloss Black
- Drop - 2 Inch
- Rise - 1 Inch
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- 7500 lbs GTW
- Class III
- CURT
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Yakima RoundBar Crossbars - Steel - Black - 48" Long - Qty 2
- Roof Rack
- Crossbars
- Round Bars
- 48 Inch Bar Space
- 2 Bars
- Overhang
- Black
- Yakima
more information >
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