[Foxbat]

The crossbars I purchased came with the necessary fasteners to fit the existing threaded sockets in the factory rails. I believe Ford provides them as well with their crossbars.

Regarding the weight of the crossbars, I had thought about that as well. I think they're under 5 lbs. It is interesting that the Kuga has a higher weight rating than our U.S. Escapes. Is based on engineering or legal factors, I wonder?

 

[Foxbat]

So the cross bars are to hold the cargo above the actual painted roof?

Yes, in the case of the bars I linked to, about 1.5" - 1.75". I'm not sure how much clearance the factory crossbars provide.

I want something of a container to fasten to the top that I can put my items in. I have seen those containers that look like canoes that are on top of some cars. This is all new to me. I have never had to pack anything on the outside of my vehicles before, so I never really paid attention to what was going on with this external stuff. Thanks.

I went to our local outdoors sports retailer and looked at the cargo boxes. There are several manufacturers (Thule, Yakima, etc.) and one of the site sponsors (CarID) has these for sale: https://www.carid.com/2014-ford-escape-roof-cargo-boxes/

The ones I was looking at have integrated clips in the bottom of the cargo pod that adjust to grab onto the crossbars and lock them into place. However, the box's weight needs to be deducted from the 100 lbs. that the Escape can handle. If you have the Panorama Moonroof, the weight of the box may equal the reduced cargo capacity meaning you can't put anything inside it!

 

[Foxbat]

I need some help here if you please. My Escape has roof rack side rails and I want to carry some cargo on top. I have never done this before and can't seem to find any instructions. I think I need a couple of cross rails. Any information you could link me to would be appreciated. Thanks.

I had my 2014 Ford Escape Titanium for almost three years before I bought some Crossbars due to the near $300 price from my local Ford Dealer. I found these BrightLines crossbars for the Escape at Walmart (of all places) and I've been very happy with the $86 as delivered price!

2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 Ford Escape Cross Bar Roof Rack

Here are some pictures with these bars on my Escape: