What Parts Are Needed To Mount The Yakima LockNLoad Platform Rack Onto A 2020 Ford Explorer?

Updated 05/11/2021 | Published 05/10/2021

Products Featured in This Question

Yakima LockNLoad Platform Rack for Crossbars - Aluminum - 55" Long x 49" Wide

(70)

$559.20

Yakima CoreBar Crossbars - Steel - Black - 60" Long - Qty 2

(122)

$192.36

Yakima JetStream Crossbars - Aluminum - Black - 60" Long - Qty 2

(606)

$226.80

Question:

Hello, I have a 2020 Explorer with moonroof. I was on yakimas website which recommends timberline towers, than aero bars, than platform. Can i connect the timberline towers to the lock n load platform directly? Or do i need to utilize the bars.... Thank you!

asked by: Graham L

Expert Reply:

The Yakima LockNLoad Platform Rack for Crossbars 55" Long x 49" Wide # Y05044-39 does require crossbars for installation as it cannot mount to factory roof rails. The most affordable Yakima crossbar setup is Yakima CoreBar Crossbars Black - 60" # Y00422 with TimberLine Towers Y00147. These crossbars do not have a top channel so you won't be able to install channel-mounted accessories, but the platform rack clamps onto the crossbars so it will work fine.

I do, however, recommend spending a little more to get the Yakima Jetstream 60" black # Y00426 as these have the top channel. I think it is a nice feature to have in case you decide to add channel-mounted accessories at a later time. These install onto the roof rails with the same TimberLine Towers Y00147.

expert reply by: Andrew N