2005 Expedition Cross Bars

[Deuce]

Can anyone recommend good ones? OEM bars carry the ludicrous markup one would suspect and other options are not as abundant as I anticipated. I've seen some "will probably fit" universal products but was hoping someone might know of some that will definitely work. Don't want to get into the buy and return cycle. Many thanks.

[AR-Nimrod]

Have you been to the Yakima website and done the "Fit My Car" thing? Or to the Thule site and clicked on "Fit Guide"? When I tried it both showed options for your vehicle.

[Deuce]

I have, but both options are prohibitively expensive. Think the cheapest fit is Yak's grab rail setup, which is still $250. I was hoping to spend considerably less than that since I already have the side rails. Stupid Ford. Thanks for the suggestion though.

[Lemme Hucknboof]

You might post what Yakima towers will fit your ride. I have some laying around that came off an Excursion. They might fit. Make ya a deal.

Levi

[Deuce]

Cool Levi. Are we talking Railgrab towers? Do you have bars as well?

[Al Donaldson]

Luke:

(If you are talking about bars and not entire rack setups.)

Since the finished diameter dimension of the Yakima round bars is 1.125", you can use almost any inch and an eighth tubing or round stock, as long as the strength and weight are appropriate to your purpose.

I have replaced the Yakima round bars on both my vehicles with aluminum tubing: 1.125 o.d. and 1.000 i.d. These work out well and are much lighter for one person removal and installation. They are a bit more flexible than the steel bars, so that has to be taken into account.

6061T6 aluminum tube (good corrosion resistance and medium strength -- 7 foot length at about $30 each plus shipping) at:
http://www.onlinemetals.com/merchant.cf ... top_cat=60" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

You can also get this same tube with greater wall thickness for more stiffness (same supplier), or you can get 2024 alloy tube (much stronger) but both of these options increase the cost. That supplier also lists stainless steel tubing, but it is heavy and costs almost as much as the plastic coated junk steel that Yakima sell.

Hope this helps.

Regards,

al

[okieboater]

If you can find a dowel sized properly to fit inside your aluminum replacement cross bars - that might keep them from bending as bad. I have done this on some tubes on other projects.

[Al Donaldson]

Dave:

Once again, you come through in a pinch. Good idea.

I've used your technique to add sections to the bars to gain width. (Much less expensive than new, longer bars!)

Regards,

al

[Deuce]

Thanks guys. Whatever solution I choose has to include attaching the cross bars to the factory rack. Maybe I should just square lash some cross bars up there. My old scoutmaster Mr. Hendrix would be proud.

[Al Donaldson]

Indeed...

Thanks guys. Whatever solution I choose has to include attaching the cross bars to the factory rack. Maybe I should just square lash some cross bars up there. My old scoutmaster Mr. Hendrix would be proud.

I've been running for seven years now with one crossbar attached to an old rack set up with 3 stainless steel hose clamps. I believe it is as strong as any Yakima tower mount.

Regards,

al

[robkanraft]

Al, thanks for the great tip! I've been wondering about a less expensive way to widen my crossbars. r

[vtsquid]

Factory rack... need some cross bars... ever visit a junkyard? I ve fixed my turck many a time doing that, just call around and you might find some for little $$$,

good luck!

[Lemme Hucknboof]

I have Yakima locking railrider 3 towers with no bars. Couldn't determine whether they'd fit your ride or not. Make an offer if you want them.
Levi

[Deuce]

Found these on fleabay. http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Ford-Exp ... 2a13c990de" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; They're kinda cheesy, but they're cheap, shipping's free, and I think they'll work fine. I've been throwing the canoe on top with a receiver hitch mounted loader and sections of noodles on the gunwales. Works fine, but when I tighten the tiedown straps I don't like the way it torques the bars. Hoping the interposition of cross bars will add enough lateral stiffness to prevent that. Thanks for the thoughts everyone.

[Minna Ulmer]

I have a set of Thule cross bars I took off my surburban. they attached to factory side bars-sturdy .Got a new smaller car an smaller rack an stacker. I will bring them to rendezvous. They need a good home,not looking for a lot for them-make an offer if u could use them. Got them from OOO 3 yr ago. Minna