Hey everyone! We’re planning a big family road trip in our Lincoln Aviator soon, and I’ve quickly realized we’ll need some extra storage space for all our gear. I’m a bit concerned about finding a setup that doesn’t interfere with the panoramic sunroof or create too much wind noise at highway speeds. I’ve been looking at the Thule Motion series and some Yakima crossbars, but I’m torn between going aftermarket or sticking with the OEM Lincoln parts for a sleeker look. Does anyone have experience with a specific rack and carrier combo that fits perfectly without looking too bulky? I’d love to know what brands you recommend that won't scratch the rails!
Hey there! Stumbled upon this discussion and honestly, I LOVE talking about roof setups for the Aviator because it’s such a sleek SUV and you dont want to ruin that look! From a technical standpoint, the biggest challenge is definitely that panoramic sunroof. If you go too low-profile, you risk the glass hitting the clamps when it vents, which is a total nightmare you want to avoid. For your situation, I would suggest the Thule WingBar Edge crossbars. They’re super aerodynamic and honestly look even better than the OEM ones IMO because they integrate so cleanly into the flush rails. They usually run about $600-700 depending on where you shop, but the lack of wind noise is FANTASTIC. If you want a more budget-friendly but still pro-grade option, definitely check out the Yakima JetStream Crossbars. They’re basically the industry standard for T-slot accessories and very sturdy for long-term use. Pairing those with the Thule Motion XT XL (18 cubic feet) cargo carrier is basically the gold standard for this car. It has 18 cubic feet of space which is huge for a family road trip, but its tapered shape keeps it from looking like a giant bulky box on top of your car. Plus, the Thule PowerClick mount system is AMAZING because it clicks when it's tight so you dont scratch the rails or over-tighten! Ngl, you’ll probably see a slight 2-3 mpg drop on the highway, but the extra storage is sooo worth it. Basically, just make sure you check the clearance carefully before you fully open that sunroof the first time! peace 👍
Check out etrailer.com for their fitment videos, they’re amazing!! Pro tip: skip the expensive brands and look at Brightlines Roof Rack Crossbars for Lincoln Aviator... they have a great aerodynamic profile and theyre lowkey way cheaper than OEM. i paired mine with a JEGS Rooftop Cargo Carrier 18 Cubic Feet for the best budget value and it fits the Aviator perfectly without hitting the sunroof and the wind noise is basically zero!!
sooo, I've had my Aviator for years. Basically, I would suggest sticking with the OEM Lincoln crossbars. First, they dont look bulky at all. Second, they're designed for the roof so the sunroof clears fine. I'm still kinda new to using cargo boxes, but my Thule carrier worked pretty well. Honestly, it's a decent option i think!!! gl with the trip.