Recommended Reverse Trike Roof Rack for 2018 Ford Expedition Max

Published 12/13/2018

Products Featured in This Question

SeaSucker Trike Rack for 1 Trike - Wheel Mount - Vacuum Cup Mounted

(1)

$365.00

Long Strap Fit Kit with Locks for Rhino-Rack Vortex StealthBar - 9" Long - Qty 4

$89.99

Swagman Upright Bike Rack for 1 Bike - Roof Rack Crossbars - Frame Mount

(149)

$71.90

Question:

Hi - Im hoping you can help me. I have a 2018 Ford Expedition MAX extended with factory cross bars. Im thinking of adding a 3rd cross bar to help with my application. I am attempting to mount a tandem trike Terratrike Rover Tandem to my roof rack, but a specific mount for this application does not exist so Im having to rig something up. My trike has 2 wheels in the front, and one in the rear. The wheelbase is 84.25. Im hoping to purchase 3 of these Sidearm replacement tracks. I would mount two from my middle cross bar through the front cross bar spread the width of my front tires and mount another single track from the middle crossbar through the rear cross bar in the middle of the vehicle which would hold my rear single wheel of the trike. I know I can also purchase the wheel straps pn# 8537006 that will slide into the bottom track of these sidearm rails. I Believe they also have the plastic spacer mount pn# 8537441, the rubber leveling gasket pn# 8537442, the metal bottom bracket pn# 8535513, the square plates pn# 8530333, and carriage bolts but im not sure which bolts I need. I have 2 questions. First, can you complete my list of components needed to securely mount these rails to my cross bars. And Second, if I use these items, will each of the 3 trays/rails slide forward and back slightly? It seems like these items would mounted by a mounting plate sliding in the bottom groove each tray/rail to mount the mentioned components to my cross bars. But in saying that, what will prevent the rails themselves from then sliding forward and back once a bike is mounted to them? As far as additional support, I can use straps to help hold the tandem trike itself down to the trays/rails and/or cross bars. Thank you for your help.

asked by: Eric N

Expert Reply:

I like your outside the box thinking, however I believe we have a better option for you that will be nowhere near the difficulty. I recommend the SeaSucker Roof Bike Rack for Trikes - Wheel Mount - Vacuum Cup Mounted # 298-BD1005. This system will allow you to place your holds wherever needed for the perfect fit and will keep your trike in place. Each vacuum cup of this system is rated for 21 lbs pull strength and I've attached a video to show you the strength of these vacuum cups in action.

If you don't like this option, your the Thule Sidearm has been discontinued so I recommend using the 3 of the Swagman Upright Roof Bike Carrier # S64720 for the center and side supports. Then I recommend the Rhino-Rack Vortex StealthBar Crossbar # RRRSB06B and then the Long Strap Fit Kit with Locks for Rhino-Rack Vortex StealthBar - 9" Long - Qty 4 # RRRSK02 which is only available in the 4 pack.

expert reply by: Jason S