Will the Yakima Hitch Mounted Enclosed Cargo Carrier Y62VR Fit a 2017 Ford Escape

Question:

2 questions: I found out the hard way that roof top boxes are NOT watertight. Kind of defeats the purpose of a box, in my opinion. 1 Is this Yakima EXO water tight? 2 Also, will I be able to fully open my lift gate on my Ford Escape 17 with the carrier tilted back? See attached pic and thanks.

asked by: Steve

Expert Reply:

Roof Cargo boxes are meant to help protect cargo that you carry on your roof. If you have something in your box that you are wanting to keep dry it is good practice to put it in a plastic bag or some similar water tight container prior to putting it into the cargo box. If they are water- resistant, they still will get the contents wet during a down pour. I have been there!

Even though cargo boxes help to protect your cargo from the elements and have a lip design that helps to prevent water getting in by overlapping, it is likely that some water can get in under the right circumstances (high winds, hard rain and the like) but it should not be enough to soak anything. The hitch mounted versions are the same way; not watertight but built to help protect your cargo.

The Yakima EXO Swing Away Enclosed Cargo Carrier - 2" Hitches - 10 cu ft - 100 lbs # Y62VR completely swings away from your vehicle, giving you full access to open your rear hatch.

My research shows that there are both class II and class III hitches for your Escape. The Yakima EXO only works on the class III hitch, but not class II, please check the sticker on hitch to confirm.

expert reply by: Jon G