Do You Have a Recommended Kayak Rack for a 2001 Ford Excursion?

Updated 04/29/2021 | Published 04/28/2021

Products Featured in This Question

Thule Stacker Kayak Roof Rack w/ Tie-Downs - Post Style - Folding - Clamp On

(66)

$219.95

CargoBuckle Ratchet Tie-Down Straps w/ S-Hooks - 1" x 15' - 500 lbs - Qty 4

(33)

$27.50

Thule WingBar Evo Crossbars - Aluminum - Silver - 53" Long - Qty 2

(1274)

$279.95

TorkLift SuperHitch Original Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class V - Dual 2" Receivers

(22)

$803.04

Question:

Expert says Thule Stacker or Yakima Big stack will work with factory cross bars on a 2002. My bars actually touch the roof in the center and I might have 1/4inch clearance underneath toward the outside where the bar clips into the track. I do not see how either of those recommendations would work for my truck. the clamps for the crossbars will not have enough room underneath it looks like to me. Have anything else or am I incorrect. Thanks

asked by: Arthur W

Expert Reply:

I called my contacts at both Yakima and Thule, and they both advised against buying the Yakima Big Stack # Y04041 and the Thule Stacker # TH830 because of the 1/4 inch clearance under your factory crossbars on your 2001 Ford Excursion.

The best way to go to guarantee a fit of the kayak carrier clamps to your vehicle is to purchase the Thule WingBar Evo Crossbars - Aluminum - Silver - 53" Long - Qty 2 # TH711400. With the crossbars, you will need:

- Rapid Podium Feet for Thule Crossbars - Fixed Point - Qty 4 # TH460R
- Fit Kit for Thule Podium-Style Roof Rack Feet - 3101 # THKIT3101

With this setup, it will give you about four more inches of extra clearance beneath your rails. For the kayak carrier, I recommend the Thule The Stacker - Rooftop Multi-Kayak Carrier # TH830 because it allows for up to four kayaks to transport and it comes with 1 Pair of ratcheting tie downs, 2 straps, and buckle protectors included.

If you are looking for an option that still utilizes your factory rack, you can purchase the Darby Extend-A-Truck Hitch Mounted Load Extender # DTA944. For this option, you will need a 2-inch hitch receiver. For the hitch, I recommend the TorkLift SuperHitch Original Trailer Hitch Receiver # TLF1006. The SuperHitch includes a bolt-on installation with no drilling or welding required. If you decide to go with the Darby Extender, I recommend getting some CargoBuckle Ratchet Tie-Down Straps w/ S-Hooks # IMF12636. The Ratchet Tie-Down Straps include mechanisms that make it easy to tighten down straps and maintain tension on straps connected to your kayak.