Roof Platform Options For 2020 Ford Explorer With Rails And Moonroof
Question:
Rhino vs Slimline II vs whatever else for a 2020 Ford Explorer LImited with a moonroof. I want to carry family luggage on road trips a couple of times a year. The rest of the time I want the rack to not attract too much attention and not lower my MPG too much. Aluminum. Light enough for one man to lift. No drilling. Easy to remove. Easy to assemble. I had a pro quote $375 just to install for Slimline II. Or is this a bad idea. Owners manual says 75 pound load limit with a moonroof. The rack itself weighs that much. Is this a no-go?
asked by: Lars E
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Expert Reply:
Hello Lars, thanks for reaching out. Between the Rhino Rack Pioneer Platform # RR86AB and the Front Runner Slimline II # FR85VJ, I would definitely go with the Slimline. First reason being it weighs less (48 lbs) versus the Rhino (61 lbs).
The Rhino platforms are decent, but in my experience, they can be a bit of a pain to assemble, and they are not known for being super durable. The Slimline has a bit more of a basic design and will be easier to manage. I also like that it has a rail around the edge to keep cargo from sliding around. The Rhino platform is completely flat with no railing of any kind. They can be added but you would then be adding more weight.
$375 for installing the Slimline does seem a bit steep, but these days I'm not surprised. If you are looking to do it yourself, they are not bad at all. Even if you have little to no experience with this kind of stuff, it would probably take you 2-3 hours maybe. Just take your time, carefully follow the instructions and you will be good. Don't over-tighten any bolts lol.
All that said, if the owners manual does give a 75 lb capacity for vehicles with the moonroof, you will want to be careful about how much weight you put up there. You can still do some light cargo or luggage, but please try your best not to exceed the 75 lb limit. Definitely not worth taking any risk.
Products Referenced in This Question
Front Runner Slimline II Platform Rack - Raised Rails - 53-1/2" Long x 53" Wide
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- Complete Roof Systems
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Rhino-Rack Pioneer Platform Rack - Raised Side Rails - 60" Long x 54" Wide
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- Complete Roof Systems
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- 60L x 54W Inch
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Product Page this Question was Asked From
Custom RCP Fit Kit for 4 Rhino-Rack RC and RV Series Roof Rack Legs - Fixed Mounting Points
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