Roof Rack Capacity for 2015 Ford Explorer
Updated 05/23/2019 | Published 05/21/2019
Question:
Roof Tent options. I have a 2015 Ford Explorer XLT with a factory installed moonroof. I’m looking to get a roof tent and here’s my question/ concern... can this car handle that weight? The owners manual for this vehicle says “factory oem crossbars can handle 100 lbs total capacity”. I however purchased new crossbars from rhino rack that go up to 200 lbs and I stalk to the factory rails on the suv. So, would a rooftop tent with a weight of 155 lbs be possible for my vehicle?
asked by: Marvin P
Expert Reply:
I took a look at the online version of the owner's manual for a 2015 Ford Explorer and on page 264 it did say "The maximum recommended load, evenly distributed on the crossbars, is 100 lbs." This would be the maximum weight as it did not specify Ford crossbars in the manual I saw, which is the source we refer to when determining capacity.
That means even if you added aftermarket crossbars with a higher weight capacity, the maximum will still be 100 lbs for the roof, which would unfortunately rule out the use of a rooftop tent like the Yakima SkyRise Tent # Y07436.
The best option for a tent with your '15 Explorer is the Rightline Gear SUV Tent # RL110907 which you set up in the back of your Explorer. This is a large tent that is waterproof but still has great ventilation which will keep you dry but still allow the air to flow through.
I have added a photo a customer sent in which shows it in use as well as a link to a video review for you to take a look at.
