Best roof rack options for a Lincoln Nautilus?

Question

Hey everyone! I recently picked up a Lincoln Nautilus and I’m looking to add some extra storage for our upcoming family ski trips. I’ve been looking at Thule and Yakima setups, but I’m a bit concerned about how they might interfere with the panoramic sunroof. I really want something that looks sleek and doesn’t create a ton of wind noise when I'm on the highway. Has anyone here installed crossbars that allow the sunroof to vent properly without issues? I’m torn between going with the official Lincoln factory parts or an aftermarket aerodynamic kit. What specific roof rack brands or models are you all using on your Nautilus that you’d actually recommend?

sfofmielpy · Accepted Answer

For your situation, I'd suggest looking beyond the standard dealer options if you're worried about that pano roof clearance and wind noise. I actually went through a bit of a trial-and-error phase with my own setup because I was terrified of cracking the glass when venting the sunroof. After measuring the clearance heights, I settled on the Yakima JetStream Bar 60 inch Black paired with the Yakima SkyLine Towers.

Honestly, the "T-slot" design on these is a lifesaver for ski carriers because it keeps everything sitting flush. One quick tip: make sure to grab the Yakima WindJammer or a similar fairing if you find the whistle annoying, though these aero bars are pretty quiet on their own. Just be careful with the mounting tension—don't over-tighten! I’ve found this setup gives just enough lift for the sunroof to tilt without hitting the crossbars. Hope this helps you get those skis up there safely!

fzgyhidffi · Answer

Quick question—does your Nautilus have the factory-installed side rails, or is the roof completely smooth? I've been through a few setups over the years and found that clearance for the pano roof really depends on that mounting point. Anyway, if you have the rails, I'd suggest looking at the Thule WingBar Edge Roof Rack System or the Yakima JetStream Crossbars. They're technically solid and way quieter than the factory bars, but let me know about those rails first so I can give you a better recommendation!

quwzzwzjgg · Answer

Honestly, I totally get the concern. I've been there with my own Nautilus and unfortunately, the official Lincoln bars are way too pricey for what they are. I tried a cheaper set of Brightlines Roof Rack Crossbars for Lincoln Nautilus and they were okay, but I had issues with some whistling at high speeds. FWIW, if you're on a budget, look for used Yakima JetStream Crossbars on Marketplace—they're much quieter and won't block that panoramic view!