Best Ways to Add a 2 Kayak Carrier to a 2017 Ford Escape Roof  

Question:

Expert Reply:

Primarily, this depends on how you plan to carry the weight of the kayaks.

The 2014 Ford Escape is rated for a maximum recommended load of 100lbs on the vehicle if it does not have a moon roof, and 40lbs if it does. This puts quite a cap on the amount of weight that the vehicle can carry, as this limit includes any carrier and crossbar solution that you are planning on using, plus the weight of the kayaks.

You'll want to invest in a full roof rack system.

Primarily, the ease of this depends on if you have a vehicle with or without factory-installed siderails, as that will determine what rails you can equip the vehicle with.

If you don't have factory rails, I recommend the Yakima Round Bar roof rack kit, consisting of:

- Round 58 inch CrossBars, part # Y00409
- BaseLine Towers, part # Y28TR
- RoundBar Adapters, part # Y03536
- BaseClip Fit Kits, part # Y06190 and part # Y06191

This is a complete system that will allow you to attach round-bar compatible kayak carriers. It weighs around 14lbs, leaving 86lbs for your kayaks and carrier.

If you do have factory rails, I instead recommend the Malone SteelTop Roof Rack, part # MPG201. This part is an all in one solution and includes all parts and square bars to attach to existing roof racks. At 9.7 pounds, it maximizes your overall available weight.

The most efficient way of carrying two kayaks is a post style carrier, that is, one that is a single post in the center of the vehicle that both kayaks attach to.

For this, I recommend the Malone Stax Pro Kayak Carrier, part # MPG115MD. This set includes all tie downs for two kayaks, plus two sets of foam blocks to protect the kayaks from impacts onto the roof rack caused by bumps. It weighs in at 8lbs of weight, allowing for much more weight to be used for the kayaks themselves.

For improved ease of use, add the 2 pack Malone Hood Loops, part # MPG322, which mount inside your front hood, providing easily accessible mounting points for your bow tie downs. Additionally, a Malone Paddle Carrier, part # MPG121 lets you use the remaining space on your rack to carry your paddles outside of your vehicle, keeping it dry inside. This part will add about 2lbs to your setup.

I've included videos of both roof racks and the Malone Pro Kayak Carrier so you can see them in action.

expert reply by: Jacob W

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