Roof Rack Recommendation for a 2011 Ford Flex and Importance of Following Fit Measurements

Question:

I have a 2011 Ford Flex and was looking at the Yakima Q-towers. I noticed that the instructions say place first tower 20 in from front of window. This would place the crossbar going over my sunroom. Looking and measuring my car can see no reason why I can not move the front tower back 10 in to 30 in from front of window. Then place the next tower 36 in from that. Do you see any reason why I can not do this? Thanks

asked by: James M

Expert Reply:

Yakima is pretty particular about where you install their roof racks on the roofs of vehicles. I cannot safely recommend you install the bars in a different location than what they recommend. This would void the warranty of the rack and would cause it to have an unknown capacity. Part of why they recommend certain areas of the roof for their racks is based on the structural strength of the roof.

Typically with roof racks installed the wind noise created is loud enough that most people keep the sunroofs closed anyway.

To complete a Yakima rack for your 2011 Ford Flex you would need the following parts, # Y00409, # Y03536 and Y33TR.

I attached an install video for you to check out as well.

expert reply by: Jameson C