Recommended Roof Rack and Basket for 2018 Ford Explorer

Question:

Hi - I have a Ford Explorer Sport 2018, flush mount rails. Can you validate that the following combos will work - fit, no tailgate or moon roof interference? 1 Rhino Rack, RVP + Rhino Rack Cargo Basket small cap 2 Rhino Rack RVP + Thule Canyon XT Cargo Basket 3 Approx. total height w/ baskets ,i.e. will these fit in my garage? Thanks a bunch!!

asked by: Steve T

Helpful Expert Reply:

The Rhino-Rack RVP Roof Rack # RRRVP45 referenced in your question is confirmed to fit your 2018 Ford Explorer Sport with the flush mounted rails. The crossbars will add just about 5 inches of height from the top of the side rails on your Explorer.

Generally speaking, operating a moon/sun roof with a roof rack installed is not recommended. Depending on how high the glass extends from your roof, it's definitely possible that it could interfere with the crossbars or from mounting hardware used for accessories like a cargo box or basket. The noise that crossbars create during travel, even with aero-style units like these, often deter people from wanting to open the roof anyway.

Both the Rhino-Rack Steel Cargo Basket # RMCB and the Thule Canyon XT Basket # TH859XT that you referenced will fit and work well with these bars on your Explorer without any interference between the basket and hatch operation. I have attached a video demonstration for each of these baskets on the Ford Explorer so you can see exactly how they will look on your vehicle. The Rhino-Rack Basket is 5-1/2 inches tall, giving you an overall height from the factory rails on your Explorer of around 10-1/2 inches (with the crossbars and feet included). The Thule Canyon has a height of 6 inches, giving you an overall height increase of around 11 inches.

I just recommend taking a quick measurement from the top of your roof to the garage door opening on your house to make sure either of these options will work.

expert reply by: Chris R