Finding the best luggage rack for Ford Explorer is harder than you might think. There are literally thousands of luggage racks for Ford Explorer out there, and choosing the absolutely perfect one is definitely not an easy task. This article will provide you with some useful tips for choosing a Ford Escape luggage rack, or a luggage rack for Ford Flex.
As we said earlier, roof racks are now available in different shapes, sizes, styles, and capacities. In order to find, say, a truly perfect luggage rack for Ford Edge, you need to learn a few details. So, we’re going to provide you with a few different perspectives on cargo racks, luggage racks for Ford Expedition, and other rooftop carriers in general. Scroll through our index below to jump straight to the topic you’re interested in.
Table of contents
- MotorFansClub
- Ledkingdomus
- Omac
- Cowvie Universal
- Auroluxe Ladder
- Tuntrol
- Yitamotor
- Ants Part
- SnailAuto
- CargoLoc
- Otuayauto
- Malone Handi-Rack
- KYX Roof Rack
- How to Choose The Best Luggage Rack for Ford Explorer
- What Are the Bars on Top of a Car Called?
- How Much Should a Roof Rack Cost?
- How Will Roof Rack Affect Your Car?
MotorFansClub
13
MotorFansClub is one of the best luggage racks for Ford Explorer you can find around. It’s well built and capable of carrying loads of up to 100 pounds. One user claims to have taken this rooftop rack on a thousand-mile trip without having any major issues. Initially, we were a little worried about the plastic back cover. Nevertheless, it seems to be sturdy enough to last through long trips.
Another thing to love about MotorFansClub is its crossbars. They’re secured to the inside of the roof rails, so you won’t have any shifting when your cargo isn’t sitting perfectly straight on your roof. These crossbars do add some noise, but the same can be said for almost all crossbars. Apart from that, the assembly process is pretty straightforward. The manual only comes in Chinese, but there are clear illustrations to ensure you get it right.
- What We Love:
- Well built and able to carry loads of up to 100 pounds
- Pros:
- Made of high-grade aluminum
- Easy installation
- Less wind noise
- Adjustable
- Cons:
- The manual only comes in Chinese
Ledkingdomus
12
Looking for a luggage rack for Ford Flex? Then the mighty Ledkingdomus should be on your wish list. These crossbars are easy to install. Seriously, they’re great on a Ford Flex! Everything seems to fit snugly into position. There are two positions that you can choose: loaded or stowed. Furthermore, this rooftop rack comes with the tools needed for assembly. But if you’re more comfortable using your own, feel free to do so.
The only complaint we have about this shelf is the screws. They seem to be cheaply made. If you plan to loosen these screws in the future, we recommend not tightening them too much. Overall, Ledkingdomus is a nice product. None of the parts are made of plastic. They’re all sturdy and seem strong enough to withstand long trips.
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- What We Love:
- Really easy to install and comes with the necessary tools
- Pros:
- Lightweight
- Durable
- Less wind noise
- Easy to install/remove
- Cons:
- The screws could be better
Omac
11
Omac is a great alternative to consider when you’re looking for a luggage rack for Ford Expedition. It’s a premium rooftop rack made of high-quality and aerodynamic lightweight aluminum. Apart from that, this luggage carrier features an anti-theft mechanism, as well as being waterproof. And in case you don’t need it, it’s easy to disassemble!
As for capacity, Omac is claimed to be able to carry loads of up to more than 225lbs, depending on the condition of your vehicle. Furthermore, these crossbars are come with an aerodynamic design to reduce wind noise significantly. Overall, the Omac is a great multifunctional roof top shelf. You can use it to store camping gear, luggage, or even a kayak or canoe. If you love outdoor activities or travel a lot, this luggage rack is a must-have.
- What We Love:
- Easy to install and disassemble. Provides enough space for a kayak or canoe.
- Pros:
- Premium aluminum material
- Aerodynamic design
- Maximum capacity 225lbs
- Anti-theft lock
- Cons:
- Roof rails aren’t included
Cowvie Universal
10
Cowvie Universal is a product that’s simply unexpected. Available at bargain prices, these crossbars are surprisingly good! At first, we didn’t expect much from them. But after running some tests, we have to say that we’re impressed with this luggage rack. Both the fit and adjustability are great, the clamp connection strength is good, and the design is well thought out.
As we said earlier, the Cowvie Universal is an affordable product. If you’re looking for a luggage rack for Ford Edge, this would be a great cost-effective solution. Apart from that, the installation process is quite simple. There’s an instruction manual provided. And in case you can’t figure it out yourself, you can always watch YouTube tutorials. As for the downside, this shelf does produce a lot of wind noise. However, this isn’t a big problem, especially considering the price.
- What We Love:
- Surprisingly great, especially considering the affordable price
- Pros:
- Universal fit
- High-quality aluminum
- One year warranty
- Durable
- Cons:
- It produces quite a lot of wind noise
Auroluxe Ladder
9
The Auroloxe Ladder features a fairly straightforward design. It’s easy to assemble and install. Furthermore, the rack is sturdy and reinforced even further with c-clamps. In case you have a bumpy ride, it won’t shift an inch. Another important note is that this luggage carrier is available at a bargain price. So if you’re on a tight budget and looking for luggage racks for Ford Explorer, this one would be a great option to consider.
As for the material, Auroloxe Ladder feels quite heavy. Nevertheless, it’s sturdy and supportive. While we don’t have the official information, we feel that this luggage carrier can support loads up to 800lbs without any problems. And just like we mentioned earlier, the installation process is a breeze. It only takes less than half an hour, and you have all the required tools in the package.
- What We Love:
- Features a fairly straightforward design, the installation process only takes less than half an hour
- Pros:
- High-quality steel
- Universal fit
- Easy installation
- Corrosion-resistant
- Cons:
- There’s no information regarding the warranty
Tuntrol
8
Offered at 80 USD, we’re initially skeptical of Tuntrol. That’s why we’re quite surprised to find how well this luggage rack works. It fits snugly on our Ford Flex test car. The crossbar has a pretty nice finish, with quality worthy of praise. Plus, they give you more than enough room to hold a 14-inch canoe.
The only thing stopping Tuntrol from being the best luggage rack for Ford Flex is the screws. They’re simply not good enough. The screws included are mediocre, and they strip when you turn them a little too tight. It’s highly recommended to use Loctite, especially if you’ve never installed a luggage rack before.
- What We Love:
- An affordable luggage rack that comes with surprisingly good quality
- Pros:
- Easy to install
- Waterproof
- Durable
- Unique design
- Cons:
- The screws are mediocre
Yitamotor
7
Yitamotor provides you with sturdy aluminum crossbars. They’re designed in such a way as not to create extra wind noise. Furthermore, this two-piece set comes with a front bar and a back bar. Each of them has a unique individual design. As for the installation process, it only takes less than 30 minutes. Depending on the type of car you have, you may need to enlarge the mounting holes a bit.
Furthermore, Yitamotor boasts an anti-theft lock design. It’s a perfect solution when you want to carry luggage, cargo, kayak, or bicycle while on a trip. Apart from that, this luggage rack is easy to disassemble. You don’t need a drill, screwdriver, or anything like that. In fact, Yitamotor includes an Allen Wrench in the package! If you’re looking for a luggage rack for Ford Expedition, these aluminum crossbars will make a great alternative.
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- What We Love:
- Made of premium aluminum. Designed in such a way as not to cause extra wind noise.
- Pros:
- Aluminum crossbars
- Unique design
- No drilling required
- Aerodynamic
- Cons:
- Requires slight modification for a perfect fit
Ants Part
6
One of the main charms of the Ants Parts Rack System is its easy installation process. Apart from that, it’s quite safe and sturdy. As for the ergonomics, we personally think that this luggage rack has a detailed and precise design. It also has a perfect fit, especially on trucks that come with built-in sidebars. No wonder there are many owners recommending this cargo carrier as an alternative to a luggage rack for Ford Explorer.
The only reason why Ants Part didn’t get a higher spot on this list is the noise. This luggage rack produces a whistling sound when it’s not loaded by luggage. Some users even say it sounds almost like a missile launch! But apart from that, this rooftop rack is a great product. Just make sure you remove it when it’s not in use.
- What We Love:
- Comes with a sharp design and offers a perfect fit
- Pros:
- Made from high-grade aluminum
- Easy installation
- Load capacity 132lbs
- No drilling/cutting required
- Cons:
- It creates a whistling noise
SnailAuto
5
Next on our list is SnailAuto, an adjustable roof rack that’s fully compatible with a Ford Escape. It comes in very nice quality. There are installation instructions included, but they’re a little cryptic. However, this is by no means a big problem. There are dozens of YouTube guide videos that you can watch out there. Just don’t be afraid to make a few modifications if you don’t think the shelf is secure enough. And if you do it right, the entire installation process shouldn’t take more than 30 minutes.
Overall, SnailAuto is a nice product. It’s available at a great price and will be very useful for those who travel a lot. We personally think it would be much better if these bars came with additional windbreaks. But considering the price, you’ve got more than you paid for. So if you’re currently looking for a Ford Escape luggage rack, these aircraft aluminum alloy bars will be perfect.
- What We Love:
- Fully adjustable and compatible with a Ford Escape
- Pros:
- Aircraft aluminum alloy material
- Includes two racks, tools, and keys
- Easy to assemble
- Maximum loading capacity of 150lbs
- Cons:
- Doesn’t come with a wind noise reducer
CargoLoc
4
CargoLoc is by no means a perfect luggage rack. The color is a bit off, and it produces bad wind noise. But make no mistake, this aluminum cargo carrier has earned hundreds of five-star reviews on Amazon! It turns out that most users are lured by its affordable price tag. And for a 43 USD product, these bars are surprisingly good!
CargoLoc is sturdy enough for long-distance trips. One user claimed to have used this rack in the rain and 40mph winds. It turned out that the bars hadn’t shifted an inch and all the cargo loaded remained firmly in place! Apart from that, the design is simple and effective. As for the installation process, the included instructions are completely clear and easy to understand. So if you’re in need of a luggage rack for Ford Edge and are working on a tight budget, these lockable bars would be a decent option.
- What We Love:
- An impressive luggage rack you can get for only 43 USD
- Pros:
- Keyed lock
- Adjustable clamps
- High-quality aluminum
- Limited lifetime warranty
- Cons:
- The color is a bit off
Otuayauto
3
Otuayauto is one of the luggage racks for Ford Explorer that exceeded all of our expectations. The package comes with clear instructions, letting you know the correct mounting orientation and the front bar and the rear bar. As for the material, this rack is made of sturdy metal with additional plastic brackets. It’s a perfect fit and works the way we wanted.
The installation process is easy. There’s no need to use any drill or screwdriver. We then tested the rack on a 20-mile drive, and we didn’t notice any significant wind noise whatsoever. However, there’s a side note for owners of older Ford Explorers. You may need to modify the bars a bit to get a really perfect fit. But other than that, Otuayauto is a decent product.
And speaking of cars, are you planning to go on any road trips in the near future? If that’s the case, you might want to check out our must-have accessories for the ultimate road trip. Find some useful items that can make your adventure even more memorable!
- What We Love:
- Exceeded all our expectations. This luggage rack comes with clear instructions and high-quality materials.
- Pros:
- Lightweight
- Durable
- Less wind noise
- Load capacity 100lbs
- Cons:
- It may require a little modification
Malone Handi-Rack
2
The Malone Handi-Rack is a truly innovative product. Its inflatable design allows you to easily store these bars when they’re not in use. For a fabric rack, this product is decent. It comes with two high-quality loading straps that are both strong and really well made. Apart from that, the air chamber provides good cushioning between your load and the top of your car. If you drive between 60-75 meters per hour, this is a great luggage rack for Ford Flex to consider.
However, it’s highly recommended to purchase extra straps. This way, you can ensure that everything is kept tight. As for the installation process, it’s a bit of a guessing game since no instructions are provided. But once you get the hang of it, this luggage rack will work really well.
- What We Love:
- Inflatable design. Doesn’t require large storage space when not in use.
- Pros:
- Versatile
- Practical
- Inflatable
- Quick installation
- Cons:
- You may need some extra straps
KYX Roof Rack
1
KYX Roof Rack is a great option if you’re looking for a luggage rack for Ford Expedition. These crossbars were originally designed for the Ford Escape, but you just need to make a few modifications to make them work just as well on other types of cars. Just like the other products on this list, this roof carrier is a breeze to install. All you need is a few minutes and some basic tools already included in the package.
Thanks to its aerodynamic design, the KYX Roof Rack will give you less wind noise. It minimizes sound emission when you’re driving at high speed. This is a massive game-changer, especially when you’re traversing a desolate environment. As for the construction, these crossbars are made of aero quality T6063 aluminum. Not only is it resistant to temperature changes, but this material also offers great protection against corrosion.
- What We Love:
- It has an aerodynamic design to minimize noise emissions when driving at high speeds
- Pros:
- Easy to install
- Reduce wind noise
- Quality aluminum construction
- Variety of applications
- Cons:
- The instructions included aren’t clear
How to Choose The Best Luggage Rack for Ford Explorer
Just like any other cargo carrier, a luggage rack for Ford Explorer may come in different shapes, models, and styles. Depending on your vehicle type and your needs, finding the perfect rooftop rack can be quite difficult. And the same thing applies when you’re looking for a Ford Escape luggage rack or a luggage rack for Ford Edge. You need to pay more attention to some details.
So, here are some of the most important things you might want to consider when choosing luggage racks for Ford Explorer. And since most SUVs have similar specifications, these tips can also be applied when you’re looking for a luggage rack for Ford Flex or a luggage rack for Ford Expedition.
Capacity
First of all, you need to know how much interior space the rooftop shelf has. You should be able to figure this out easily since most sellers usually include complete information regarding capacity. After that, you can decide based on your needs. For example, an 8-12 cubic feet luggage rack for the Ford Explorer would be great for short trips. But if you want to go on a long-distance trip, we recommend getting an 18-22 cubic feet cargo carrier.
And speaking of carrier racks, why don’t you check out our best kayak racks for trucks? They’re great for transporting your precious kayak from home to the water!
Material
The next thing you need to consider is materials. A Ford Escape luggage rack, for example, maybe crafted using a variety of different materials. However, if you want something really tough and reliable, go with a shelf made of Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene aka ABS. It’s one of the most sophisticated and well-known materials around. Besides being strong and sturdy, ABS gives you complete protection against weather, shocks, and impacts.
Design
Last but not least, consider the design. When you go to a local store or check an online page for a luggage rack for Ford Edge, you need to make sure it has an aerodynamic design. This is very, very crucial, especially if you don’t want a lot of wind noise while on the road.
What Are the Bars on Top of a Car Called?
They’re commonly referred to as roof racks. These bars are usually used to secure heavy items on top of a car, such as a canoe, kayak, or ski. You can also use it for a variety of cases and containers.
How Much Should a Roof Rack Cost?
There are many different types of roof racks for you to choose from. Depending on the build quality, style, and features, you may need to pay more for some of them. However, cross-roof bars shouldn’t cost you more than 250 USD.
How Will Roof Rack Affect Your Car?
It’ll increase your car’s wind resistance, which in turn will increase its gasoline consumption. Therefore, try to remove the rack when not in use. Look for products that are easy to install and don’t require any drilling to disassemble.
And while we’re on the topic of car accessories, check out our list of best kayak hoists for your garage. They’re great for saving lots of space on your patio or garage.
