5th gen roof rails ?

[drto9999]

So I've had a 94,96,99,06 and now a '16 TEP, but I noticed our roof rails are shorter than the other gens I've owned is there a roof bar I could add to the front so I can carry ladders or other long equipment short of a Baja or go I rack Thule and Yakima sites are nebulous when I search any suggestions would be great thanks
Tom

 

[CF_Machete]

I have yakima railgrabs and 48" round bars that we bought for my wife's Escape that I used before on my factory rails before I got a Gobi. It looks like they've been replaced by the Timberlines. If you go with round bars, I would go longer that 48", try the navigation below.

 

[drto9999]

I've done that the factory bars are flat ,and if I got those would it be level with the factory x bars no one knows?

 

[CF_Machete]

I've done that the factory bars are flat ,and if I got those would it be level with the factory x bars no one knows?

The yakima system will sit on top of your rails, so it will be higher than you factory crossbars.

There are 4 yakima Bar choices, round and then 3 types of aerodynamic flat bars.

 

[adaml]

The yakima system will sit on top of your rails, so it will be higher than you factory crossbars.

There are 4 yakima Bar choices, round and then 3 types of aerodynamic flat bars.

I think he's looking for something to mount forward of the stock rails and crossbars. Something that would effectively make the rack longer without going for a full-on aftermarket rack.

 

[DesertCanyons]

Roof rack options

The problem with using anything on the roof rack is that for long items like ladders and canoes, in order to balance the load you have to hang the item way out beyond the back bumper. It's secure enough but you loose use of the cargo door since you can't open it up fully with a ladder hanging over the spoiler.
Before I upgraded my rack I used 2-2x4 planks across the roof rack, bearing on the rails and tied in place at the roof rack rail corners. I balanced lumber up there a few times. I opted not to pay for the roof rack rails, knowing I would upgrade the rack. The other problem with the stock roof rack is that you must place any boxes and equipment directly on the roof. This will scratch the paint job when stuff shifts around on rough roads. After my first camping trip I vowed to replace the stock rack.
I got the Baja long Utility Rack with feet at the front end, not far behind the windshield. The feet only bear on the top of the cab and are not anchored down, but the rack is stiff enough to resist some uplift.
No matter what you use you need to tie long loads down to the front bumper to keep wind from pulling them sideways off the top. A line to one or both of the front recovery loops works fine.

 

[e60ral]

So I've had a 94,96,99,06 and now a '16 TEP, but I noticed our roof rails are shorter than the other gens I've owned is there a roof bar I could add to the front so I can carry ladders or other long equipment short of a Baja or go I rack Thule and Yakima sites are nebulous when I search any suggestions would be great thanks
Tom

if its just an occasional thing, what about a canoe or surfboard pad to support in the front (basically just pads that strap through the door)?

 

[drto9999]

Roof raol

Thanks for the replies Adami is correct I am looking for a bar forward of the stock rails and x bars that could be used for longer work loads but saving the Baja or gobi rack cost for the 4-5 times a year when I need a longer rack

 

[Donovan1]

I just bought some of the Thule Aeroblade Edge cross bars in the large size to hold my Yakima Skybox and they seem to be working well. I wanted some bars that look semi factory and not hang way off the edge so my needs may be different than yours. However, they were very easy to install and get the box up high enough to clear the shark fin. They look cool too and were very quiet this last trip. The hardest part was taking the damn entire factory roof rack off to remove the factory useless cross bars. I have a '16 so I get the super lo profile cross bars that are nearly pointless.