Recommended Roof Rack for 2016 Ford Escape with Raised Side Rails for Use with Rooftop Cargo Box  

Question:

Expert Reply:

The correct current SportRack roof rack made for your 2016 Ford Escape with factory roof side rails is part # SR1099. The other rack SR1009 was also a confirmed fit on the 2016 Escape but it is now inactive as you noted.

However, since both of these racks are of the semi-custom variety that fit many different vehicles, their fits and weight capacities are not the ideal choice for use with a rooftop cargo box. Because cargo boxes themselves can be pretty heavy, and because they are hit by wind as you drive, I recommend a roof rack that is a custom fit. A true custom-fit rack will be more stable, safer and typically also have a higher weight capacity.

The weight capacity matters since your cargo box's own weight counts against the roof capacity along with the cargo items you load into it. For example, with rack # SR1099, which is rated for 110-lbs on your vehicle, if you were to use even a fairly light cargo box such as the SportRack Vista # SR7018 which weighs 38-lbs you would use up 1/3 of the rack capacity just for the weight of the box itself, without any cargo loaded in it.

I recommend using a sturdier rack system with a higher weight capacity for your cargo box application. Rhino-Rack's Vortex Aero rack made of parts # RRVA126B-2 and # RRSX100 provides a 165-lb capacity which gives you a LOT more cargo carrying ability. All roof rack options for your Escape are shown on the linked page and their weight ratings are noted for you. There are other options apart from the Rhino-Rack but this one gives you the best weight capacity-to-price performance.

expert reply by: Adam R

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