Best Roof Rack and Water Sport Carrier for 2 Kayaks or Paddle Boards on 2014 Ford Edge

Question:

Hi thanks for answering my questions. I have a low ceiling garage because I live in a condo so I don’t have much clearance between my Ford Edge roof and the garage ceiling and thus garage door. What is the height of the Rhino-Rack Vortex Aero Crossbars, part # RRVA137B-2, compared to the Thule WingBar Evo Crossbars so I’ll know if there’s enough clearance before purchasing? Also does the Rhino-Rack Vortex Aero Crossbars fit most of the the Thule roof rack accessories if in the future I would like to purchase a Thule rack for snowboards, storage box, or bike rack? And it looks like the length of the bars for the Rhino-rack Vortex aero Crossbars is 2” longer than the Thule Wingbar Evo Crossbars so does that mean I have 2” more of space to attach kayaks, SUPs, or other stuff to the crossbar? Thanks for your help with my questions.

asked by: Morgan

Expert Reply:

The combination you mentioned works great for your setup!

On a 2014 Ford Edge without rails or crossbars, the Rhino-Rack Vortex Aero Crossbars, part # RRVA137B-2, is a highly-rated crossbar with a lot of versatility. They're aerodynamic and extend past the roof rack legs, giving even more space for mounting your accessories. They also have built-in C-channels for channel-mounting accessories. I've included a link to an installation video for you.

Keep in mind that in order to use these on your Ford Edge, you will also need the Rhino-Rack legs, part # RRRLKVA, and the Rhino-Rack clamps, part # DK228, as mentioned in the video. Luckily, we have a bundle of these three parts together to make it easier for you. I've linked to that as well.

To accommodate your two paddle boards or two kayaks, the Thule Compass, part # TH890000, is the perfect choice. It folds to a J-style, Post-style, or Saddle-style carrier so it can carry both kayaks and paddle boards. I've linked to a review of this carrier, too.

If you don't have a hitch to secure the stern straps to, we do have the Malone QuickLash T-Style Hood Loops, part # MPG308. These will attach to your strap and close into the hatch to make that easier.

expert reply by: Kef G

Morgan F.

8/31/2020

Kef G.

8/31/2020

When you've assembled the entire kit for the Rhino-Rack crossbars, it will add 5-1/4 inch to the height of your 2014 Ford Edge. We do not have an exact measurement for the Thule WingBar crossbars, part # TH711400. After speaking with Thule, they said it will add about 5 inches to the height. Keep in mind, you will need the feet and clamp for the Thule setup as well. Again, we have a fit kit for that combination, so I've linked to that for you. I've also linked to an installation video for this combo on a 2014 Ford Edge. Most rooftop accessories will fit the style of rack that you choose. Both of these have "Aero-style" bars, so when choosing a bike rack, storage box, or watersport carrier, make sure they are designed to fit Aero bars. Again, most are, so it shouldn't be a problem for you. For example, the Thule Compass that I mentioned before will attach to the Rhino-Rack perfectly. To answer your other question: Yes, the additional two inches on the Rhino-Rack crossbars does give you extra space to attach more accessories. They extend just a little bit past the roof to give that extra space.