Roof Rack Compatibility for 2018 Ford Escape with Panoramic Moon Roof

Question:

I am wondering why this cargo rack will not work with a 2018 Ford Escape that has a panoramic sun roof. I am trying to find an inexpensive cross bar mount for my sidewinder tandem bike mount. I have factor installed side rails that run front to back, #2 picture above, with, of course a panoramic sunroof.

asked by: Frank

Expert Reply:

I have a solution for you, but there are a couple of issues with the the SportRack # SR1099 and its compatibility with the panoramic sun roof on the 2018 Ford Escape. The biggest one is that with a glass roof, according to Thule this rack will not provide more than 40-lbs of carry capacity; there are also some additional issues with the limited clearance from the actual glass roof, which is why we do not list this as an actual fit for the Ford Escape's with a panoramic moon roof.

The most economical solution we can offer you in terms of a roof rack that will be compatible with your 2018 Ford Escape with the panoramic moon roof is the Yakima roof rack system that uses the Skyline Towers an 58" round bars and round bar adapters- parts # Y00409, # Y03536 and # Y33TR. This will be a great solution that provides you with the weight carrying capacity to handle your Yakima Sidewinder Tandem Bike Carrier and tandem bicycle. You're going to spend a bit more, but this roof rack system has a lifetime warranty compared to the 1 year warranty of the # SR1099, so you're getting a far superior product that will last a long time.

I've linked some helpful videos of this roof rack system on a similar 2018 Ford Escape so that you can see how it looks and how it is installed.

expert reply by: Erik B