Roof Rack Options

25889 Views 19 Replies 10 Participants Last post by PSUnexus, Aug 31, 2020

Ryan Kather

Discussion Starter · Sep 9, 2014

My wife and I took delivery on our new MKC and love it. We were cross shopping some larger vehicles originally (Grand Cherokee Ecodiesel, Ford Explorer Sport, Audi Q5 (to lesser extent size wise). We decided with some accessories we could live with the diminished proportions and make up for it with accessories (like the tow hitch).

We didn't realize on delivery that the panoramic vista roof eliminates the option for a roof rack (according to Lincoln). It seems like a precautionary measure on Licoln's part because I can't see a technical reason why this should be the case. The cross bars should keep containers, skis, and bikes off the roof itself right? Has anyone seen an aftermarket roof rack system for the MKC yet? Does anyone know why Lincoln doesn't permit a roof rack with vista roof?

1 - 20 of 20 Posts

kdawg

· #2 · Sep 9, 2014

My best guess would be that the panoramic roof does not have the same rigidity or strength as a full sheet metal roof. Applying too much weight or pressure to one side could add stress to one side of the rails and could break the seal or worst case cause the glass to crack or break.

It also may just be legal posturing by Lincoln by saying that no rails can be added in order to cover them in case someone were to drop something heavy on the roof causing it break injuring people inside.

I'm sure there will eventually be crossbar options from Lincoln and aftermarket companies like Thule / Yakima. Right now, the MKC is probably a little too new to have any aftermarket options available. Both Thule and Yakima have MKC listed in their configurators, but no crossbar options as of yet.

My opinion is that you'd be fine to add crossbars and items that are fairly lightweight if you distribute the load: skis, snowboards, bikes. I probably would not chance it with larger items like canoes, long kayaks, or putting heavy objects within a cargo container.

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DeMarco

· #3 · Sep 9, 2014

I think Thule might be a rack company you might want to look out for when it comes to an aftermarket setup

Ryan Kather

Discussion Starter · #4 · Sep 10, 2014

kdawg said:
My best guess would be that the panoramic roof does not have the same rigidity or strength as a full sheet metal roof. Applying too much weight or pressure to one side could add stress to one side of the rails and could break the seal or worst case cause the glass to crack or break.

That sounds valid, I'll take your advise and keep an eye on Thule and others over the coming months. With crossbars I think it should be doable and I know of other makes that allow racks with their glass roofs (though engineering may differ).

kdawg

· #5 · Sep 10, 2014

I noticed this today on the Lincoln accessories site -

Racks and Carriers by THULE - Cross Bars, With Factory Roof Rails
Part No: VEJ7Z-7855100-A

Racks and Carriers by THULE - Cross Bars, With Factory Roof Rails | The Official Site for Lincoln Custom Accessories

Ryan Kather

Discussion Starter · #6 · Sep 17, 2014

That Thule rack from the Lincoln accessories site, does indicate it's not compatible with the Vista roof. Still unclear if it means not advised, or not possible. Hoping to find some more information soon, but in the meantime I've been looking at more interesting towed trailer options that combine luggage racks with bike racks/kayak mounts.

DeMarco

· #7 · Sep 17, 2014

Has anyone managed to get a rack system that they're currently using?
Interested in hearing what some people here have to say.

kodathedog

· #8 · Sep 24, 2014

DeMarco said:
Has anyone managed to get a rack system that they're currently using?
Interested in hearing what some people here have to say.

The Thule solution sold through Lincoln will fit the pano roof but Ford is not recommending it because the sliding roof mechanism raises the center of gravity and if the roof is over loaded could throw off the vehicle dynamics.
There was also a liability issue (Ford Legal) with loading an object on to the accessory (bikes or skis) and slipping off going thru the glass

Ag Mark C

· #9 · Oct 6, 2014

Roof Rack usage, per owner's manual.

Ryan Kather said:
......We didn't realize on delivery that the panoramic vista roof eliminates the option for a roof rack (according to Lincoln). It seems like a precautionary measure on Licoln's part because I can't see a technical reason why this should be the case. The cross bars should keep containers, skis, and bikes off the roof itself right? Has anyone seen an aftermarket roof rack system for the MKC yet? Does anyone know why Lincoln doesn't permit a roof rack with vista roof?

The MKC users manual covers this topic in the "roof racks and load carriers" section on page 229 of the second printing of the manual.

"The maximum recommended load is 50 pounds (22 kilograms) for vehicles with a panoramic roof, and 80 pounds (36 kilograms) for vehicles without a panoramic roof. Evenly distribute the load on the roof rack."

midnite cruiser

· #10 · Oct 27, 2014

Yakima claims:
Lincoln MKC 5dr 2015-2015
Fit for Naked Roof
Weight Limit: 125lbs
Towers
Front Tower Q Towers 4 Pack
Front Clips Q124-F
Rear Clips Q32-A
Crossbar Length 58" CrossBar Pair (2 CrossBars)
Recommended Fairing 44" Fairing

I am going to clarify if this works for a panoramic roof or not. Really hope so: I am invested in kayak racks and the Rocket box carrier that I would love to keep using. Plan B would be a receiver hung cargo rack.

DeMarco

· #11 · Oct 27, 2014

I even seen that some people have kayak trailers, but that may be overkill for you.

kodathedog

· #12 · Nov 14, 2014

midnite cruiser said:
Yakima claims:
Lincoln MKC 5dr 2015-2015
Fit for Naked Roof
Weight Limit: 125lbs
Towers
Front Tower Q Towers 4 Pack
Front Clips Q124-F
Rear Clips Q32-A
Crossbar Length 58" CrossBar Pair (2 CrossBars)
Recommended Fairing 44" Fairing

I don't think there are any MKC's with a naked roof, all them have the flush mount side rails

Huy Nguyen

· #13 · Apr 4, 2015 (Edited)

I just got my MKC and I got the roof rack provided by Thule listed on the Lincoln accessories site. My local dealer said that it was ok even though the site said not compatible with the panoroof. As people mentioned my guess is that it is a legal issue with the pano glass and people dropping things on it. So if you don't care and are careful it should be ok. See my pic with the rack and yes I have the pano roof.

Even the manual mentions a roof rack load with a pano roof so it is allowed...

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midnite cruiser

· #14 · Apr 4, 2015

I got the Yakima and put it on my Reserve. Works fine.
http://www.mkcforum.com/forum/lincoln-mkc-exterior/20737-yakima-roof-rack-installed.html

WhiteKnight

· #15 · Apr 16, 2015

Huy Nguyen said:
I just got my MKC and I got the roof rack provided by Thule listed on the Lincoln accessories site. My local dealer said that it was ok even though the site said not compatible with the panoroof. As people mentioned my guess is that it is a legal issue with the pano glass and people dropping things on it. So if you don't care and are careful it should be ok. See my pic with the rack and yes I have the pano roof.

Even the manual mentions a roof rack load with a pano roof so it is allowed...

What are the Thule part numbers for the grab towers and rails?

Thanks

kodathedog

· #16 · Apr 23, 2015

Vej7z-7855100-a

WhiteKnight

· #17 · Apr 27, 2015

Huy Nguyen said:
I just got my MKC and I got the roof rack provided by Thule listed on the Lincoln accessories site. My local dealer said that it was ok even though the site said not compatible with the panoroof. As people mentioned my guess is that it is a legal issue with the pano glass and people dropping things on it. So if you don't care and are careful it should be ok. See my pic with the rack and yes I have the pano roof.

Even the manual mentions a roof rack load with a pano roof so it is allowed...

Looks like the Thule 460R podiums. Can you tell us what the fitment clip part numbers are? I think you have to remove the covers on the podiums and the clip part numbers are stamped on them.

Just trying to cross reference the fitment kits used since Thule doesn't show anything on their site. MKC flush rails look very similar to the Audi Q5.

Thanks

kodathedog

· #18 · Apr 27, 2015

WhiteKnight said:
Looks like the Thule 460R podiums. Can you tell us what the fitment clip part numbers are? I think you have to remove the covers on the podiums and the clip part numbers are stamped on them.

Just trying to cross reference the fitment kits used since Thule doesn't show anything on their site. MKC flush rails look very similar to the Audi Q5.

Thanks

Thule is not selling them through their normal channels, just through the Lincoln dealers.

bristef63

· #19 · Aug 9, 2020

kdawg said:
I noticed this today on the Lincoln accessories site -

Racks and Carriers by THULE - Cross Bars, With Factory Roof Rails
Part No: VEJ7Z-7855100-A

Racks and Carriers by THULE - Cross Bars, With Factory Roof Rails | The Official Site for Lincoln Custom Accessories

I've seen this same ad, and it is confusing, the rack or cage is atop the rails, and on a vehicle with Panoramic moonroof....and requires the Thule rack...which isn't compatible...hmmm???

PSUnexus

· #20 · Aug 31, 2020

Thule definitely sells the fit pack direct now a days, This was a pretty old thread so back in the day you could only get the stuff from Lincoln directly. If you go to thules website and use their config tool it'll point you to the correct items.

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