Side Rails Compress with Yakima Timberline Towers on 2015 Ford Explorer

Question:

I just installed Yakima Timberline towers and 60” Jetstream crossbars on my 2015 Ford Explorer Sport using the supplied torque tool. When finished, I noticed that the factory side rails are getting compressed quite a bit. I’m wondering if this is normal or if this could cause a problem.

asked by: Kyle W

Expert Reply:

It's normal for the raised side rails to compress slightly when installing the Yakima JetStream Crossbar System part # Y00426 and part # Y33TR on a 2015 Ford Explorer. That said, so long as you are using the included torque tool there will be no issues with deformity. The tool only tightens to 2.5 ft. lbs.

expert reply by: Conner L