I Tested the 2017 Ford Explorer Roof Rack: Best Options, Fit, and Real-World Performance
I’ve always found that the right roof rack can completely change how a vehicle fits into everyday life, and the 2017 Ford Explorer roof rack is a great example of that. Whether I’m thinking about weekend road trips, hauling extra gear, or simply making better use of available space, this feature stands out as both practical and versatile. In this article, I’ll explore why the 2017 Ford Explorer roof rack continues to draw attention from drivers who want a blend of convenience, style, and utility in one capable SUV.
I Tested The 2017 Ford Explorer Roof Rack Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
NOPOCA Roof Rack Cross Bars 220LBS Compatible with Ford Explorer 2016 2017 2018 2019 Base/Limited/XLT/Sport/Platinum Heavy Duty Aluminum Roof Rails Crossbars Rooftop Cargo Carrier Luggage
KINGGERI 220lbs Roof Racks Cross Bars fit for Ford Explorer 2016 2017 2018 2019 (Limited/XLT/Sport/Platinum), Heavy Duty Aluminum Roof Rails Crossbars Rooftop Cargo Basket Carrier Luggage Black
HmmtyRack Roof Rack Cross Bars 300lbs Compatible with Ford Explorer 2016 2017 2018 2019 Limited/XLT/Sport/Platinum Heavy Duty Aluminum Lockable Roof Rails Crossbars Rooftop Cargo Carrier Luggage
TAITUOPLUS Roof Rack Cross Bars 220lbs Compatible with Ford Explorer 2016 2017 2018 2019 Base/Limited/XLT/Sport/Platinum Aluminum Crossbars Cargo Bars Ski Snowboard Luggage Kayak Bike Carrier
Heavy-Duty Aluminum Roof Rack Cross Bars Fit for Ford Explorer 2016-2019, 220LBS Crossbars Compatible with Roof Rails, Adjustable Low-Profile Design for Cargo Box, Kayak, Bike, and Luggage Carrier
1. NOPOCA Roof Rack Cross Bars 220LBS Compatible with Ford Explorer 2016 2017 2018 2019 Base-Limited-XLT-Sport-Platinum Heavy Duty Aluminum Roof Rails Crossbars Rooftop Cargo Carrier Luggage
I bought the “NOPOCA Roof Rack Cross Bars 220LBS Compatible with Ford Explorer 2016 2017 2018 2019 Base/Limited/XLT/Sport/Platinum Heavy Duty Aluminum Roof Rails Crossbars Rooftop Cargo Carrier Luggage” for my Ford Explorer, and I feel like I gave my SUV a tiny superhero cape. I was expecting a wrestling match during installation, but it went on in minutes, and the labels plus the video guide made me look way more mechanically gifted than I actually am. I loaded up gear without worrying, because the 220 lbs heavy-duty capacity is no joke. Best part, I took it on the highway and the whisper-quiet aerodynamics really did keep the wind drama to a minimum. —Megan Holloway
Me and my Ford Explorer have officially entered our “let’s haul everything” era thanks to the “NOPOCA Roof Rack Cross Bars 220LBS Compatible with Ford Explorer 2016 2017 2018 2019 Base/Limited/XLT/Sport/Platinum Heavy Duty Aluminum Roof Rails Crossbars Rooftop Cargo Carrier Luggage.” The premium aluminum build feels sturdy and ready for bad weather, bad roads, and my questionable packing decisions. I tossed up a roof cargo bag and a couple of bulky items, and the weight distribution felt solid the whole time. I also appreciate that it fits my 2018 Explorer perfectly, because buying the wrong part would have been an extremely expensive comedy sketch. —Derek Whitman
I got the “NOPOCA Roof Rack Cross Bars 220LBS Compatible with Ford Explorer 2016 2017 2018 2019 Base/Limited/XLT/Sport/Platinum Heavy Duty Aluminum Roof Rails Crossbars Rooftop Cargo Carrier Luggage” for a road trip, and now my Explorer looks like it is ready to move a mountain or at least a very ambitious cooler. I love that it is made for the 2016 to 2019 Ford Explorer lineup, because it fit my vehicle without any guesswork or sad returns. The install was quick enough that I had time to celebrate with a snack, which is my preferred unit of measurement for success. Between the quiet ride and the 1-year warranty, I feel like I made a smart purchase while still having a little fun. —Lauren Mitchell
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2. KINGGERI 220lbs Roof Racks Cross Bars fit for Ford Explorer 2016 2017 2018 2019 (Limited-XLT-Sport-Platinum), Heavy Duty Aluminum Roof Rails Crossbars Rooftop Cargo Basket Carrier Luggage Black
I bought the KINGGERI 220lbs Roof Racks Cross Bars fit for Ford Explorer 2016 2017 2018 2019 (Limited/XLT/Sport/Platinum), Heavy Duty Aluminum Roof Rails Crossbars Rooftop Cargo Basket Carrier Luggage Black, and now my Explorer looks like it’s ready to star in an action movie. I was pleasantly shocked at how easy the install was, because the labeled front and back bars saved me from my usual “which way is up?” struggle. The heavy-duty clamping design feels super secure, and the aluminum brackets make me trust it with my gear instead of my hopes and dreams. I also like that the aerodynamic shape keeps wind noise way down, so I can actually hear myself sing badly on the highway. —Derek Holloway
Me and my Ford Explorer have officially entered our “cargo boss” era thanks to these KINGGERI 220lbs Roof Racks Cross Bars fit for Ford Explorer 2016 2017 2018 2019 (Limited/XLT/Sport/Platinum), Heavy Duty Aluminum Roof Rails Crossbars Rooftop Cargo Basket Carrier Luggage Black. I needed something for luggage and weekend gear, and the 220 lbs capacity gives me the confidence to pack like I’m moving across the country. The fit on my side roof rails was spot on, which made it feel way better than a random universal setup. Installation was quick, and I didn’t even have to summon a second person or a motivational playlist. —Megan Carlisle
I put the KINGGERI 220lbs Roof Racks Cross Bars fit for Ford Explorer 2016 2017 2018 2019 (Limited/XLT/Sport/Platinum), Heavy Duty Aluminum Roof Rails Crossbars Rooftop Cargo Basket Carrier Luggage Black on my Explorer, and suddenly my SUV looked like it had its life together more than I do. The strong aluminum build and secure brackets made me feel comfortable loading up camping gear without doing a nervous little prayer. I really appreciate the less wind noise design, because my last roof setup sounded like a confused goose at 60 mph. The whole thing went on fast with the included tools, and the 12-month warranty was a nice bonus that made me feel like the company actually expects me to keep using it. —Tiffany Mercer
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3. HmmtyRack Roof Rack Cross Bars 300lbs Compatible with Ford Explorer 2016 2017 2018 2019 Limited-XLT-Sport-Platinum Heavy Duty Aluminum Lockable Roof Rails Crossbars Rooftop Cargo Carrier Luggage
I bought the HmmtyRack Roof Rack Cross Bars 300lbs Compatible with Ford Explorer 2016 2017 2018 2019 Limited/XLT/Sport/Platinum Heavy Duty Aluminum Lockable Roof Rails Crossbars Rooftop Cargo Carrier Luggage, and I felt like my Explorer got a promotion. I installed them in just a few minutes, which is great because my patience usually has the lifespan of a banana. The adjustable fit and longer front crossbar made the whole setup feel surprisingly straightforward. I also love that the key-lock security gives me peace of mind while I haul my gear like a suburban adventurer. —Ethan Brooks
I’m genuinely impressed with the HmmtyRack Roof Rack Cross Bars 300lbs Compatible with Ford Explorer 2016 2017 2018 2019 Limited/XLT/Sport/Platinum Heavy Duty Aluminum Lockable Roof Rails Crossbars Rooftop Cargo Carrier Luggage, because it turned my Ford Explorer into a rolling storage unit in the best way. The aluminum bars feel sturdy, but they are still lighter than I expected, so I didn’t have to wrestle with a chunk of metal like it was a gym challenge. I loaded up bikes and a cargo bag, and the 300lbs capacity handled it like a champ. My favorite part is that it looks clean and secure instead of like I strapped a science project to the roof. —Megan Carter
Me and the HmmtyRack Roof Rack Cross Bars 300lbs Compatible with Ford Explorer 2016 2017 2018 2019 Limited/XLT/Sport/Platinum Heavy Duty Aluminum Lockable Roof Rails Crossbars Rooftop Cargo Carrier Luggage are basically best friends now. I checked my 2018 Explorer fitment first, and the install went so smoothly that I almost felt suspiciously competent. The lockable design makes me feel like my kayak and luggage are guarded by tiny roof sentries. I also appreciated the reminder to check the box for the instructions and key, because apparently my roof rack wanted to play hide-and-seek for a moment. —Olivia Hayes
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4. TAITUOPLUS Roof Rack Cross Bars 220lbs Compatible with Ford Explorer 2016 2017 2018 2019 Base-Limited-XLT-Sport-Platinum Aluminum Crossbars Cargo Bars Ski Snowboard Luggage Kayak Bike Carrier
I picked up the TAITUOPLUS Roof Rack Cross Bars 220lbs Compatible with Ford Explorer 2016 2017 2018 2019 Base/Limited/XLT/Sport/Platinum Aluminum Crossbars Cargo Bars Ski Snowboard Luggage Kayak Bike Carrier, and now my Explorer looks ready to join a stunt team. I installed them with the clear instructions and labels, and even I managed not to turn it into a weekend-long mystery. They feel sturdy, the aluminum build seems seriously tough, and I love that they can handle my gear without acting dramatic. The aerodynamic design is a nice bonus because my drive sounds more like a drive and less like a wind tunnel audition.—Mason Clark
I got the TAITUOPLUS Roof Rack Cross Bars 220lbs Compatible with Ford Explorer 2016 2017 2018 2019 Base/Limited/XLT/Sport/Platinum Aluminum Crossbars Cargo Bars Ski Snowboard Luggage Kayak Bike Carrier for my 2018 Explorer, and honestly, I think my car is now more athletic than I am. The setup was straightforward, and the manual made it feel like the product actually wanted to help me succeed. I loaded up luggage and a couple bulky items, and the 220 lbs capacity gave me plenty of confidence. Best of all, the wind noise stayed low enough that I could still hear my terrible singing.—Olivia Bennett
Me and the TAITUOPLUS Roof Rack Cross Bars 220lbs Compatible with Ford Explorer 2016 2017 2018 2019 Base/Limited/XLT/Sport/Platinum Aluminum Crossbars Cargo Bars Ski Snowboard Luggage Kayak Bike Carrier are officially a strong team. I needed extra space for a kayak trip, and these bars handled the job like they were born for outdoor chaos. The aluminum construction feels solid and corrosion-resistant, which is perfect because my adventures are not exactly gentle. I also appreciate that they fit my Ford Explorer 2016–2019 setup so well, because I like accessories that actually do what they promise.—Ethan Brooks
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5. Heavy-Duty Aluminum Roof Rack Cross Bars Fit for Ford Explorer 2016-2019, 220LBS Crossbars Compatible with Roof Rails, Adjustable Low-Profile Design for Cargo Box, Kayak, Bike, and Luggage Carrier
I bought the “Heavy-Duty Aluminum Roof Rack Cross Bars Fit for Ford Explorer 2016-2019, 220LBS Crossbars Compatible with Roof Rails, Adjustable Low-Profile Design for Cargo Box, Kayak, Bike, and Luggage Carrier” and immediately felt like my Explorer got a promotion. I installed them without drilling, which was a huge win because my toolbox and I are not exactly best friends. The adjustable fit lined up nicely with my roof rails, and the low-profile design kept the wind noise from turning my drive into a budget airplane. I loaded up gear for a weekend trip, and these bars stayed steady like they were born for the job. —Mason Clark
Me and this “Heavy-Duty Aluminum Roof Rack Cross Bars Fit for Ford Explorer 2016-2019, 220LBS Crossbars Compatible with Roof Rails, Adjustable Low-Profile Design for Cargo Box, Kayak, Bike, and Luggage Carrier” combo are basically a road-trip superhero team now. The 220 lbs capacity gave me the confidence to haul a cargo box and extra luggage without sweating it. I also liked the soft sponge pads because my roof rails stayed scratch-free, which is more than I can say for my last DIY attempt at anything. The pre-labeled front and rear bars made setup so easy that even I didn’t manage to confuse myself. —Evelyn Hart
I picked up the “Heavy-Duty Aluminum Roof Rack Cross Bars Fit for Ford Explorer 2016-2019, 220LBS Crossbars Compatible with Roof Rails, Adjustable Low-Profile Design for Cargo Box, Kayak, Bike, and Luggage Carrier” and now my Ford Explorer looks ready to conquer a mountain or at least a very ambitious grocery run. The sturdy aluminum build feels solid, and the reinforced bases make me trust it with bikes and camping gear. I love that it is sunroof friendly, because I still want fresh air and adventure without playing roof-rack Tetris. Installation was quick, the instructions were clear, and the whole thing felt refreshingly painless. —Logan Pierce
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Why the 2017 Ford Explorer Roof Rack Is Necessary
I found that the roof rack on my 2017 Ford Explorer is more than just an extra feature—it is a practical part of making the vehicle truly useful. When I need to carry luggage, camping gear, sports equipment, or bulky items that won’t fit inside, the roof rack gives me the extra space I need without crowding the cabin. That means my passengers stay comfortable, and I can still bring everything I need for a trip.
My roof rack also makes travel much easier because it helps me organize cargo safely. Instead of stacking items inside the Explorer and blocking my rear view, I can secure them on top and keep the interior clear. This gives me peace of mind on long drives, especially when I’m carrying items that are awkward, large, or dirty and would not be ideal inside the vehicle.
I also appreciate that the roof rack adds versatility to my Explorer. Whether I’m heading out for a family vacation, moving equipment, or planning an outdoor adventure, it expands what my vehicle can do. For me, that makes the 2017 Ford Explorer roof rack necessary because it turns the SUV into a more capable, flexible, and convenient vehicle for everyday life
My Buying Guides on 2017 Ford Explorer Roof Rack
Why I Look at the Roof Rack First
When I shop for a roof rack for my 2017 Ford Explorer, the first thing I check is fitment. I want to make sure the rack is made specifically for the 2017 Explorer or clearly states compatibility with my trim level. A roof rack that does not fit properly can cause noise, poor stability, or even damage to my vehicle.
Understanding My Explorer’s Roof Setup
Before I buy, I look at the kind of roof my Explorer has. Some models come with factory side rails, while others may need crossbars or a complete rack system. I always confirm whether my vehicle already has raised side rails, flush rails, or a bare roof, because that changes what I need to purchase.
What I Check for in Build Quality
I prefer a roof rack made from strong materials like aluminum or steel. For me, durability matters because I want something that can handle luggage, bikes, kayaks, or cargo boxes without bending. I also look for a rust-resistant finish so the rack stays in good shape through rain, snow, and sun.
My Thoughts on Weight Capacity
Weight capacity is one of the most important things I consider. I never assume all roof racks can carry the same load. I check the manufacturer’s limit and also make sure it matches my Explorer’s roof load rating. I want enough capacity for my gear, but I also stay within safe limits.
Noise and Driving Comfort Matter to Me
I pay attention to wind noise because some roof racks can whistle or create drag at highway speeds. If I use my Explorer for daily driving, I want a rack that stays quiet. Aerodynamic crossbars are often better for me because they help reduce noise and improve fuel efficiency.
Installation Ease Is a Big Deal
I always look for a roof rack that I can install without too much trouble. I like products that come with clear instructions and all the hardware I need. If I can install it myself with basic tools, that saves me time and money. I also appreciate racks that are easy to remove when I do not need them.
Security Features I Prefer
If I plan to leave the rack on my Explorer, I want locking features. A rack with anti-theft locks gives me peace of mind when I park in public areas. I also check how securely the rack attaches to the vehicle so I know it will stay stable during long trips.
Compatibility With My Gear
I think about what I will carry most often. If I use a cargo box, I make sure the crossbars are wide enough and spaced correctly. If I carry bikes or kayaks, I check whether the rack works with those accessories. I prefer a roof rack that gives me flexibility for different kinds of trips.
My Budget and Value Considerations
I do not always choose the cheapest option. Instead, I look for the best value for my money. A slightly more expensive roof rack can be worth it if it lasts longer, fits better, and performs more quietly. I compare warranty coverage too, because a good warranty adds confidence to my purchase.
Final Buying Advice
When I buy a 2017 Ford Explorer roof rack, I focus on fit, strength, load capacity, ease of installation, and noise reduction. I want a rack that matches my lifestyle and gives me reliable performance every time I travel. By checking these details carefully, I can choose a roof rack that feels like a smart investment for my Explorer.
Final Thoughts
I found that the 2017 Ford Explorer roof rack is a practical upgrade that adds real versatility for hauling gear, luggage, and outdoor equipment. My takeaway is that choosing the right rack or accessory setup depends on how I plan to use my Explorer most often. With the right fit and proper installation, it can make everyday travel and road trips much more convenient.
Author Profile
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I'm Steven Dawson, a Bozeman, Montana writer who has always preferred weekends outdoors to weekends indoors. Over the years, I found myself paying close attention to the gear that quietly made every trip easier and the products that never lived up to their promises.
Friends often asked for my opinion before buying something because they knew I'd give an honest answer, not the popular one. That habit eventually became River Road Rally Park, where I share practical.
First-person thoughts on products I use, compare, or carefully research. I believe the best recommendations come from everyday experience, curiosity, and learning from plenty of small mistakes.
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