Troubleshooting Fit Of Yakima Megawarrior Roof Basket On 2016 Ford Explorer

Updated 06/01/2017 | Published 05/31/2017

Products Featured in This Question

Yakima MegaWarrior Large Roof Rack Cargo Basket - Steel - 52" Long x 48" Wide

(80)

$648.95

Yakima MegaWarrior Extra Large Roof Rack Cargo Basket - Steel - 74" Long x 48" Wide

(80)

$937.90

Question:

I have a Megawarrior that I regularly used on my 2013 Pilot. However, I now have a 2016 Ford Explorer and unlike the Honda, I cannot move the cross bars to accomodate a proper fit. At their widest, the bars are at 39.5inch center to center and at their closest they are about 28.5inch - the rails of the rack do not line up properly to attach the mounting blocks. Is there any way to modify the rack to work properly? I do have the megawarrior extension, but I think it may be too large for the Explorer. Thanks!

asked by: GerryC

Expert Reply:

The Yakima MegaWarrior Extra Large Roof Rack Cargo Basket # Y07080 will work with a crossbar spread between 30 and 38 inches. The Yakima MegaWarrior Extra Large Roof Rack Cargo Basket and Extension # Y07080-82 will work with a crossbar spread between 36 inches and 60 inches. Based on the dimensions you gave, it sounds like the crossbars will allow you to use either system in theory. It sounds like the mounting blocks must work on one bar but the basket has a bar that fits directly over the other. Unfortunately there is not a fix for bars that are not able to move to accommodate this rack. I'd try the extension you have and see if it will allow you to mount it by off-setting that bar.

I reached out to my contact at Yakima and they said this fit can be difficult, but as long as the bolts on the mounting hardware go through the carrier will work even if the jaws of the mount are off centered. He also said that changing your bars to round bars gives a lot more flexibility to mount this carrier, so if you don't already have round bars, that is an option as well. He stated using the extension sometimes gives you a little more space, so that may give you what you need as long as you can handle the size difference on your roof.

expert reply by: Jason S