does the 2005 ford taurus really need a stretch kit for the roof rack

[harpsBIZARRE]

I was told that I would need to use the Yakima Q Stretch Kit if I wanted to put a roof rack system on my 2005 Ford Taurus. They said that putting the Q Tower car rack system on this vehicle would also require the Q Stretch Kit so that the two cross bars would be further apart to create a platform for safely carrying stuff on the rack. But the Q Stretch kit is $100 and wondering if there's any other set up that won't require an extra stretch kit?

[rack your brains]

When using the Yakima Q Tower base rack on a 2005 Ford Taurus you do need the Q Stretch Kit because of where the Q Clips are placed, which would normally force the 2 crossbars to be too close together. Adding the Q Stretch Kit moves the rear cross bar further back so there is enough space between the crossbars for safely attaching Yakima gear carriers to the bars.

However, Thule Racks makes the Thule 400XT Aero roof rack which is very similar to the Yakima Q Tower set up. But the 400Xt system doesn't require a stretch kit because the Fit Kits are placed on the roof to allow enough space between the 2 bars without needing to use a stretch kit. Make sure you get the #2086 Fit Kit clips for a 2005 Ford Taurus.