Why Does a Sunroof Reduce the Roof Rack Weight Capacity on a 2013 Ford Escape

Updated 06/04/2015 | Published 06/03/2015

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Question:

Do you know why the sun roof reduces the weight limit for a roof rack on some vehicles? I have a 2013 Escape and recently found out the sun roof reduces the weight limit of the roof racks from 100 pounds to 45 pounds.

asked by: Chris

Expert Reply:

The sunroof is basically a hole in the roof with a moving glass portion in it so because there is less metal and metal surface area the capacity is reduced. Since 45 pounds is not much at all There is a way that you could carry more weight on top of your 2013 Ford Escape.

To do so you would need to have a Class III trailer hitch, # 75758, and then use the Rhino-Rack T-Load # RTL002. This will carry some of the weight so as long as just 45 pounds is on the roof rack on your Escape and the rest is on the T-Load you could carry additional weight.

expert reply by: Michael H