2007 Explorer factory rack weight restrictions

[lonskis]

I just purchased a Yakima Skybox 21 (21 cubic ft capacity) for my 2007 Explorer. I have attached it to my factory rack and it fits great but I neglected to notice when I bought it that my factory racks only allow for 100 lbs max. The cargo box weighs 62 lbs so I can only put 38 lbs up top!! Does anybody know if that 100 lb maximum is a real number or can I cheat it by 10 or 20 lbs? If not are there any heavier duty ford factory rack options for the Explorer? I don't really want to have to add the Yakima racks along with my factory racks for aesthetic reasons. Any information would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

[rodharkin22]

I didn't even know the Ford Explorer roof rack bars had a 100 lb weight restriction. I have an older model Yakima roof box, the Yakima LoadRanger which is a big one too at 20 cu/ft capacity, that easily weighs more than 60 lbs. I've been using it for years and just transferred it last year to my 2007 Ford Explorer model. I've never had a problem and I carry heavy loads with it, enough stuff for family of 5 on vacation! Even used it a few times to carry a bunch of construction and painting materials from Home Depot... Maybe as an extra precaution just adjust the roof box off to the side a bit on the factory bars instead of in the middle. You definitely get more strength from the crossbars the closer you are to the side railings where the crossbars connect to the siderails.

[lonskis]

Thanks for the reply. I'm glad to hear you haven't had any problems. I kind of thought the weight limit was pretty conservative.