5 Best Roof Rack For 2017 Ford Explorer

If you use your Ford Explorer for weekend trips, outdoor gear or extra cargo, the right roof rack makes a big difference. You want something that fits your 2017 Explorer, carries the weight you need and installs without a struggle. In this guide you’ll find five options tested against real-world criteria so you can pick a rack that balances fit and load capacity, durability and ease of use. Choosing the right roof rack helps you carry kayaks, bikes or a cargo box safely and reduces wind noise and hassle while driving.

Top Picks

Selection Criteria

Fit & Compatibility: Confirm the rack is designed for the 2016–2019 Ford Explorer rails and trim levels so installation is straightforward. Load Capacity: Consider how much weight you plan to carry — racks here range from ~220 lb to 300 lb ratings.

Build Materials & Durability: Aluminum bars with strong mounting brackets resist corrosion and flex. Ease of Installation: You want clear instructions, minimal special tools and adjustable mounts. Security & Locks: If you leave gear unattended, look for lockable options or a solid mounting system. Wind Noise & Aerodynamics: Bars with an aerodynamic profile reduce noise and improve fuel economy.

Reviews & Support: Real user feedback and responsive seller support are useful for troubleshooting and replacement parts. Price & Value: Balance cost against capacity, features and long-term durability.

KINGGERI Roof Cross Bars (2016–2019)

If you need extra cargo space on your 2016–2019 Ford Explorer, these KINGGERI cross bars are the kind of no-fuss upgrade that makes weekend plans easier. They’re vehicle-specific, so you won’t be wrestling with universal clamps, and the aluminum brackets feel solid — the set supports up to 220 lb, which is enough for a rooftop box, a couple of kayaks, or the ladder for a weekend project.

Installation is straightforward: parts are labeled front/back and include the Allen tools, so you can bolt them on in your driveway in 30–60 minutes. The bars sit a bit taller than some trim OEM options, but the aerodynamic profile keeps wind noise low during highway runs.

For daily use they’re unobtrusive and sturdy; for trips they give you reliable load capacity and easy attachment points for racks or a cargo basket. If you want something that installs quickly, feels durable, and won’t add a lot of buzz on the road, these are a practical choice you can recommend to a friend.

What People Say

Buyers highlight easy DIY installation, solid build quality, and low wind noise. Several users report long trips carrying heavy loads (around 220 lb) without issues, and appreciate the labeled bars and included tools.

Overall Sentiment: Positive

Practical Use

Practical for everyday needs like hauling a roof box or occasional ladders, and reliable for longer trips when you need extra storage. The clamps and brackets are metal, so it feels more durable than plastic kits.

A few users mentioned the instructions are mostly diagrams, but the install is still straightforward once you lay parts out.

Travel Ready

Good for travel — users report no extra noise and stable performance even with heavy loads across long distances. Works well with aftermarket carriers (Thule boxes, baskets) and straps for bikes or kayaks.

Key Benefits

• Vehicle-specific fit for Ford Explorer 2016–2019 (with side roof rails)
• Supports up to 220 lb (100 kg) — good for rooftop boxes, kayaks, ladders
• Alloy construction with sturdy aluminum brackets for durability
• Labeled bars and included tools make DIY installation quick
• Aerodynamic shape reduces wind noise on highway drives
• 12-month warranty and responsive seller support reported by buyers

Rating: 4.6 (total: 223+)

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FLYCLE Roof Rack Crossbars (2016–2019 Explorer)

If you drive a 2016–2019 Ford Explorer and need extra cargo room, these FLYCLE crossbars make adding a roof box, bikes, or kayaks feel straightforward. They’re made from aluminum so they won’t weigh your roof down, and the set is built specifically for Explorer side rails — so you won’t be fiddling with ill-fitting clamps.

The bars are rated for 220 lb (100 kg), which covers everything from a rooftop cargo box to a couple of kayaks or a bike rack. FLYCLE also added metal anti-theft locks, which is the sort of small detail you notice once you start leaving gear on top of the car.

Installation is mostly bolt-on and they say it takes about 10–15 minutes with the included hardware — perfect if you want to fit them yourself before a weekend trip. On the road the aerodynamic shape helps cut down wind noise, so they’re unobtrusive for daily driving and dependable on longer trips.

If you want a vehicle-specific, no-nonsense way to expand cargo capacity, these are worth a look.

What People Say

The product info and specs emphasize an easy DIY install (no drilling), a solid 220 lb capacity, and an anti-theft lock. Buyers looking for a vehicle-specific solution like this tend to call out the fit, sturdiness, and reduced wind noise as the top practical wins.

Overall Sentiment: Positive

Practical Use

These crossbars work well for everyday hauling—think grocery runs with a roof box or occasional trips with bikes. The clamps/strap-on mounting means you don’t need shop time; with labeled parts and included hardware you can bolt them on yourself in short order.

Because they’re vehicle-specific, the fit is cleaner than generic racks.

Travel Ready

The aerodynamic design helps keep wind noise down on the highway, and users who pack for long trips will appreciate the 220 lb rating and the anti-theft locks. They’re a sensible choice when you want reliable roof storage for weekend getaways or seasonal gear.

Key Benefits

• Vehicle-specific fit for Ford Explorer 2016–2019 (with side roof rails)
• Supports up to 220 lb (100 kg) — good for rooftop boxes, kayaks, bikes
• Aluminum alloy construction: lightweight yet durable
• Metal anti-theft lock system for added security
• Aerodynamic profile to reduce wind noise on highways
• Quick, bolt-on installation with included mounting accessories
• Lifetime tech support from the seller

Rating: 4.3 (total: 156+)

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Soruci 300 lbs Roof Rack Cross Bars

If you have a 2016–2019 Ford Explorer with side roof rails, these Soruci crossbars are a straightforward way to add usable roof space. They’re aluminum, so they won’t add much weight up top, and they’re rated for 136 kg (300 lb), which is plenty for a rooftop cargo bag, a couple of bikes, or a kayak. The low-profile shape helps keep wind noise down, and the upgraded locking system gives you a little extra peace of mind when you leave gear on the roof.

Installation is simple — no drilling, just mount to your existing rails with a screwdriver — so you can fit them at home in minutes. For everyday errands they stay quiet and unobtrusive, and for trips they give you reliable extra capacity.

If you want a vehicle-specific, no-fuss way to free up space inside the cabin, these are a sensible pick.

What People Say

Owners and product info emphasize the easy, no-drill install, solid 300 lb capacity, quiet on the road thanks to the streamlined profile, and an upgraded lock. People planning to carry heavy or oversized items still check their vehicle’s roof weight limit in the manual.

Overall Sentiment: Positive

Practical Use

These crossbars are handy for everyday needs like a roof box for groceries or occasional bikes, and they’re robust enough for weekend trips with larger gear. The vehicle-specific fit keeps installation tidy, and the simple screwdriver-fit mounting means you won’t need a shop visit. Just remember to confirm your Explorer’s roof load limit before loading to the max.

Travel Ready

The aerodynamic, low-profile shape helps keep wind noise down when you’re on the highway, and the 136 kg (300 lb) rating covers most weekend or holiday gear. The locking system is useful if you plan to leave items on the roof during stops, making these a dependable option for road trips.

Key Benefits

• Vehicle-specific fit for 2016–2019 Ford Explorer with side roof rails
• Supports up to 136 kg (300 lb) for bulky gear
• Aluminum construction: lightweight and corrosion resistant
• Upgraded locking system for added security
• Low-profile design to reduce wind noise
• Tool-based, no-drill installation you can do at home
• Stable base foot design for steady load carrying

Rating: 4.4 (total: 8+)

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Tuyoung 220lbs Roof Rack Cross Bars

If you want to add real roof space to your 2016–2019 Ford Explorer without fuss, these Tuyoung crossbars are a practical pick. They’re made from aircraft-grade aluminum and bolt to your existing side rails, so they don’t feel bulky yet handle a solid 220 lbs (100 kg). That means you can toss on a rooftop cargo bag, a couple of bikes, a kayak, or even a ladder for work. The low-profile shape helps keep wind noise down on the highway, and the metal base feet (not the usual cheap plastic) make the setup feel sturdier.

Installation is straightforward — clear labels and a how-to video make it something you can handle at home. For daily errands they stay out of the way, and for weekend trips they give you dependable extra capacity. If you want a vehicle-specific, no-nonsense way to free up space inside the cabin, these are worth considering.

What People Say

Owners consistently mention the snug, vehicle-specific fit, straightforward installation, and surprising sturdiness. Multiple reviewers used them for long trips, kayaks and rooftop cargo boxes and reported minimal wind noise and reliable performance.

Overall Sentiment: Positive

Practical Use

These crossbars work well for everyday needs like extra luggage space or occasional bike runs, and they’re solid enough for weekend adventures. The vehicle-specific design keeps things neat and installation is doable at home with basic tools. Do check your Explorer’s roof load limit before maxing out the capacity.

Travel Ready

The low-profile design helps keep wind noise manageable on highways, and the 220 lbs capacity covers most holiday gear setups. The sturdy aluminum feet mean you can trust them on longer trips, and the included instructions make it easy to fit before you head out.

Key Benefits

• Vehicle-specific fit for Ford Explorer 2016–2019 (Base/XLT/Limited/Sport/Platinum)
• Supports up to 220 lbs (100 kg) for bulky gear
• Aircraft-grade aluminum construction: strong but lightweight
• Aluminum base feet for better durability than plastic alternatives
• Low-profile, streamlined shape to reduce wind noise
• Clear instructions and supporting video make installation easy
• Comes with a 12-month warranty for added assurance

Rating: 5.0 (total: 23+)

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HmmtyRack Roof Rack Cross Bars

If you want a no-nonsense way to add roof space to your 2016–2019 Ford Explorer, these HmmtyRack cross bars are a solid option. They bolt onto the vehicle’s side rails and feel noticeably lighter than steel thanks to the rust-proof aluminum build, while still claiming a 136 kg/300 lbs capacity for bikes, kayaks, rooftop bags or a cargo basket.

The bars are adjustable (the front bar is longer), come with the basic tools and instructions, and lock with keys to deter casual theft. For daily errands they stay out of the way, and for weekend trips they give you dependable extra room—just be mindful of your Explorer’s roof load limit and how you secure bulky items.

If you want something vehicle-specific that’s easy to fit at home and dependable on the road, these are worth considering.

What People Say

Most owners praise the snug fit and straightforward installation — many installed them at home and used them for kayaks, bikes and long trips without issues. A small number reported problems when hauling very heavy loads, so double-check mounting and your vehicle’s roof limit before pushing weight to the max.

Overall Sentiment: Positive

Practical Use

These crossbars are great for everyday uses like extra luggage on a grocery run or transporting bikes to the trailhead. They also handle weekend adventures—roof bags, boards or a cargo basket—provided you secure loads correctly and don’t exceed your Explorer’s roof rating.

Travel Ready

The low, streamlined profile keeps them unobtrusive on the highway, and the aluminum build helps with noise and weight. They’re easy to fit before a trip and sturdy enough for long drives when properly installed and tightened.

Key Benefits

• Vehicle-specific fit for Ford Explorer 2016–2019 (models with side roof rails)
• Supports up to 136 kg/300 lbs for bikes, kayaks, cargo bags and more
• Rust-proof aluminum construction — lighter than steel but strong
• Adjustable bars with longer front crossbar to match vehicle size
• Key-lock security to help deter theft
• Comes with tools and clear instructions for straightforward home installation

Rating: 4.5 (total: 34+)

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FAQ

How Do I Choose The Right Roof Rack For My 2017 Ford Explorer?

You should start by confirming your Explorer’s roof style and the bolt or rail pattern, because many options (like the KINGGERI, Tuyoung, and HmmtyRack models) are advertised as vehicle-specific fit for 2016–2019 Explorers. Next, match the rack’s load capacity to the items you plan to carry and to the roof load limit in your owner’s manual; some crossbars list ~220 lbs while others advertise up to 300 lbs, but remember those figures include the weight of the carrier and dynamic forces while driving. Consider mounting type (clamp, U-bolt, easy-snap, or OEM-style rails), whether you need a lockable system for theft deterrence, and the profile of the bars if you want quieter, more aerodynamic performance.

Finally, think about what you’ll carry — bikes and kayaks need different accessories and spacing than a rooftop cargo box — and choose a system that supports compatible accessories and easy adjustment.

Are Aftermarket Crossbars Secure And Easy To Install On A 2017 Explorer?

You’ll find many aftermarket crossbars are straightforward to install and designed for your model; typical installs take 20–60 minutes and kits often include markings for front/rear and pads to protect the rails. A helpful trick is to leave fasteners slightly loose until everything is positioned, then tighten to spec and recheck after a short drive. Security varies by brand: some kits include improved lock cores while others have simpler covers, so if theft is a concern prioritize a model with robust locking hardware or add extra security cables. Also inspect the hardware in the first few hundred miles and periodically thereafter, because vibration can loosen bolts; a dab of threadlocker on non-keyed fasteners can help if you’re comfortable with it.

What Practical Tips Should I Follow When Loading And Using A Roof Rack?

You should always distribute weight evenly and keep the heaviest items between the crossbars as low as possible, secure loads with rated straps, and use bow and stern ties for boats. Check that your load doesn’t exceed your vehicle’s roof limit or the rack’s rated capacity and be mindful of clearance in garages, drive-throughs, and under bridges. After the first installation and after loading, drive a short distance and recheck all fasteners and straps.

Remove crossbars when you don’t need them to reduce wind noise and drag, clean mounting interfaces to prevent corrosion, and lubricate lock barrels occasionally to keep keys smooth. If you have a sunroof, confirm the rack spacing and fitting clear the sunroof movement before you drive.

Buyers Top Picks

When youre choosing between KINGGERI, FLYCLE, and Soruci crossbars for your 2017 Explorer, you usually prioritize a precise fit and easy installation, the load capacity and overall durability for carrying gear, and factors like wind noise and price. You’ll tend to pick KINGGERI for a snug factory-style fit and solid construction, FLYCLE if you want a sleek, low-profile look with simple mounting, and Soruci when maximum payload (the 300‑lb rating) and heavy-duty hauling are your top concerns.

Wrapping Up

To pick the best roof rack for your 2017 Ford Explorer, focus first on fit and load capacity, then confirm installation ease and whether you need locks. The KINGGERI set is a well-rounded choice if you want reliability and strong reviews, while the Soruci and HmmtyRack options deliver higher weight ratings for heavy gear at attractive prices. If you value simple installation and top user ratings, the Tuyoung bars are worth serious consideration.

Ultimately, choose the rack that matches your load needs and budget and double-check fit for your specific Explorer trim before buying.

Product	Image	Rating	Load Capacity	Mounting Type	Item Dimensions (L x W x H)
KINGGERI Roof Racks Cross Bars		4.6/5 (223 reviews)	220 lbs	Clamp Mount, Crossbar Mount, Rails, Roof Mount	37 x 5 x 5 inches
FLYCLE Roof Rack Crossbars		4.3/5 (156 reviews)	220 lbs	Clamps or Strap-on	44.08 x 70.8 x 3.74 inches
Soruci Roof Rack Cross Bars		4.4/5 (8 reviews)	300 lbs	Easy Snap	44.1 x 5.9 x 3.7 inches
Tuyoung Roof Rack Cross Bars		5.0/5 (23 reviews)	220 lbs	U-Bolt	43 x 5 x 3 inches
HmmtyRack Roof Rack Cross Bars		4.5/5 (34 reviews)	300 lbs	Easy Snap	44.1 x 5.89 x 3.7 inches

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