Thanks for coming back to this Friday’s “How-To” on installing the OEM roof rails for our ’13 and up FE’s!
This is a direct swap from another FE owner on FordEscape.org, so this IS the actual Ford rack. We removed the initial weather stripping and started this video from the bare bones on the roof.
If you have any questions or suggestions, please leave them in the comments below! Also, please subscribe for more videos to come!
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I just installed an OEM rack and crossbars on my 2013 escape today and this video made the job much easier because I knew exactly what to expect and what supplies to have on hand. I went to my local dealer and got a quote for $1375 installed. After seeing this video I purchased my complete set up off ebay from seller quirkparts for less than $450. They are an actual Ford dealer and this kit is the real deal. It comes in two boxes. The rack is pretty much assembled in the box. All you need to do is remove old trim carefully for resale or to save reinstall on down the road. Comes with instructions, but this video is way better!!
The crossbars must have been modified since this video was made. They no longer need to slide the ends to fit across the width of the vehicle. The bars are a nice close custom fit and seem very sturdy. Highly recommend the seller and the OEM rack. Be very careful removing old trim. It's very thin aluminum. I used plastic trim removal tools from harbor freight. Go slow and realize you are removing the trim piece from the plastic clip underneath it, so you need to get the tool between the plastic clip and the trim piece. I put the old trim and other extra bits back in the box the new roof rack came in and threw it in the attic. When I sell the car, I'll remove the rack and reinstall the old trim to get most of my money back out of the rack đŸ˜‰
did you have to cut and measure for that 3m tape or did it come on the rails? Also where did you get the tails and cross bars?
Hi is the escape the same car as the ford kuga in the U.K. Thanks Tom.
Where you satisfied with the crossbars? They look somewhat weak.
I was considering ordering an FE SE with the 201A package but asking that the roof rails be omitted but it looks like the reverse process may be doable since the headliner removal isn't required.
THANK YOU for making this video! I called Ford dealer and the price for rails + cross bars was $1,500 not including installation. I bought both rails and bars on e-bay from manufacturer in China. came without installation instructions đŸ™‚Â I was able to install using this detailed video! Total cost = $500
What roof rack kit did you use? Where did you purchase it and what is the cost for the full kit?
Very helpful and clear! Thanks for the effort and good directions.
Are weather stripping with the rack different from the weather stripping without a rack? I just found a salvage rack. Should I get the weather stripping with it? Good video! Thanks!
So do you not need to remove the head liner on the interior of the vehicle like on previous escape models?
Nice video! The only other one that was available was in Chinese, not that this is a terribly hard install but it is always nice to do a bit of research before a project just to be sure something is not missed…
Thanks for the great tutorial. Can you tell us how to remove the weather stripping prior to installing the roof rails?
***NOTE: Recommended to use RTV silicone for longevity and resistance to high heat and stress. Also, perhaps make a larger footprint of silicone around the hole to ensure coverage from longterm leaks.
Thanks @HayaiKuruma from FordEscape.org for the recommendation!
Material here: http://www.mcmaster.com/#74945a65/=12app4w