Recommendation for Carrying Kayaks and Cooler with 2004 Ford Escape

Question:

Please see picture. Tell me theres a better way to do this. My buddy says its fine hence the thumbs up in the picture but I think he mightve had one too many. 2004 Ford Escape, Class III hitch, side rails, no crossbars.

asked by: Bubba R

Expert Reply:

Thanks for the photo! There is certainly a better way to carry your kayaks and cooler with the 2004 Ford Escape. To transport the kayaks, a roof rack will work very well for you. I like the Yakima CoreBar Roof Rack, 50 inch Crossbars # Y00421 with TimberLine Towers # Y33TR because of the aerodynamic shape, for decreased wind noise and drag.

To carry your 2 kayaks on a roof rack, I recommend using 2 sets of the Rhino-Rack J-Style Kayak Carrier, Folding # S512. These J-style cradles are great because they fold down when not in use and they have a strap on the back to carry the kayak paddle. Additionally, the necessary tie down straps are included with the # S512 carrier. I've attached a review video of this carrier for you.

Without your kayaks in the back, you will have plenty of room in the rear cargo area for your cooler. But if you'd rather carry the cooler outside of the vehicle in order to keep the fragrance of a successful fishing trip outside, a hitch cargo carrier is just the ticket. The Curt Cargo Carrier for 2 Inch Hitches # C18151 is our most popular cargo carrier. This cargo carrier measures 24 inches x 60 inches and has raised sides to help keep cargo secure. To fasten the cooler to the cargo carrier, a stretchable cargo net will work well. The Curt Stretchable Cargo Net, 38 Inches Wide x 44 Inches Long # C18200 will work well. I've attached review videos for both of these products for you as well.