The Adventure Of Raising Factory Roof Rails?

The text describes a DIY roof rail installation on a Ford Excursion, which includes two layers of 3/8 inch thick rubber running the length of the rails and adding a little to each end. The top piece is cut a 1/2 inch wider than the rail, and the bottom is cut a 1/2 inch wider. The new bushing is then installed under the roof rail and fastened down tight to the factory threaded plate using washers as needed.

The author is considering building their Ford Excursion and is looking for figures on the impact of adding aftermarket roof rail cross bars. They have the Thule 675 Evolution box, which has a capacity of 21 Cubic feet and retails around $500. The kit requires an aftermarket roof rack where cross bars extend past the towers.

The author also mentions that the factory rails do bow down and touch the strips on the roof when loaded down heavy, making it not ideal for video shooting. They recommend anything that bolts directly to the roof, as the roof can handle 200 lbs, including the rack. They are looking for crossbars for the factory roof rails and are considering options like the Slimline II Roof Rack kit.

The text also mentions the importance of loading the surfboard upside-down on the vehicle roof rack to avoid wind catch. The author advises reading the owner’s manual for a secure way to install the rails, as most factory rails are held onto the vehicle with small screws.