Roof Rack advice needed

[DangerSlave]

Helloooo STR!!!

I have a 2006 Ford Explorer 4 door that has the side rails but NO Crossbars. The factory ones are available for $100.00, but they are eliptical (not round or square). From the little reseach I did on "Automated Fit Guides" (Yakima and Thule) it looks like they are not to crazy about putting a bike on the factory bars. Maybe too flimsy??? Anyone run into this?

BTW, I am towing a 1982 Coleman Redwood Pop-up trailer so no bikes on the hitch. I already have the kids bikes on a tongue mounted rack on the trailer.

[Von-Skipp]

That weird you dont have cross bars. Fords.....

I just installed a Rocky Mount Noose on my 4Runner with factory cross bars.

http://www.rockymounts.com/noose

Works perfectly for my road bike. The factory bars are kind of flimsy. I would be nervous putting a downhill rig up there. For the road bike, works perfect.

I orginal wanted to get a Thule or Yakima for the top of my 4Runner. Too expensive compared to the $80 Noose.

[back_of_the _pack]

My suggestion is to get the adapters to mount to the factory rack (not using the Ford crossbars). The initial cost is higher but it leaves you with a many more options. I have had my Thule crossbars and carriers for over 20 years by just getting different clamps or feet depending on my vehicle.

http://www.thuleracks.com/fg_choices...ption_number=1

[VTVic]

I'm running yakima king cobra's on my yukon's factory crossbars just like yours with universal mighty mounts and they definitely flex a little. My bike weights about 27lbs but still makes me a little nervous. Would definitely not throw a big rig up there while on factory crossbars...