Are you planning to install a roof rack on your Ford Transit Connect and looking for guidance on how to do it? You’ve come to the right place because we've researched this question and have the answer.
Here is a summary of the steps that you need to follow to install a roof rack on your Ford Transit Connect.
- Locate the covers on the roof.
- Peel off the covers with a plastic chisel.
- Apply some silicone sealant around the holes.
- Position the roof rails.
- Apply some sealant around the holes on the roof rail.
- Install the screws.
- Repeat the same procedure on the other roof rail.
- Install the roof rack over the roof rail.
We'll talk more about roof racks in this post. You can learn about the installation steps and different types of roof racks in the sections below.
Read on!
Roof Rack Versus Roof Rail
A common question among drivers is, “What is the difference between a roof rack and a roof rail?” Some people mistake one for the other, while others use one of these two terms to refer to both.
Roof Rail
A roof rail is a roof support that allows a car to carry cargo on its roof. It has an aerodynamic shape that prevents wind noise when you drive at high speeds.
A roof rail normally runs the length of your vehicle.
However, roof rails do not carry items on their own. You can install accessories on the roof rail that will allow you to carry cargo on the roof.
Moreover, you can carry items that don’t fit inside your vehicle on the roof of your car with the right accessory. These items include big boxes, skis, surfboards, or bikes.
Some vehicles have specific locations on the roof where you can install a roof rail. You can find pre-drilled holes on the roof of the Ford Transit Connect to install roof rails.
Keep in mind that a roof rail doesn’t add to the carrying capacity of your car’s roof. Check the car’s manual to find out the roof's load capacity, and make sure you don't load anything heavier than the capacity of the roof.
In addition to their practical use, roof rails make any vehicle look sporty.
Roof Rack
A roof rack is a car accessory that increases the cargo space of your car. Unlike roof rails, a roof rack normally runs parallel to the width of your vehicle from one side to the other.
Special roof racks will allow you to transport bulky or large items on the roof that can't fit inside your Ford Transit Connect. Another reason you might want to store bulky items on the roof is to prevent damage to the interior components of your vehicle during transit.
Additionally, if you load your dirty gear inside, dirt will get to your car’s carpet and interior. Cleaning the interior can be challenging and costlier than simply transporting these items on the roof.
Keep in mind that some of the items you transport on your car’s roof can affect the overall handling of your Transit Connect. Thus, it is a good idea to always be careful when driving with cargo on your car’s roof.
What Are The Different Types Of Roof Racks?
Now that we have a clear idea of the difference between a roof rack and a roof rail, let’s talk about the different types of roof racks you can install on your Ford Transit Connect.
Platform Rack
A platform rack is like a shallow metal tray with a flat bottom and low side walls. It provides more space for your cargo. Some variations have the platform but not the side walls.
The platform bottom allows you to carry smaller items on the roof, like a toolbox. The tray shape also makes it easier to secure items.
This type of roof rack can be heavy and expensive. The heavier weight means that you will likely need assistance during installation. Additionally, a heavier roof rack is susceptible to noise while driving.
See this roof cargo carrier on Amazon.
Door Mount Rack
You do not need a roof rail to install this type of rack. Instead of installing it on the roof rail, you install this type on the pillars along the doors.
It sounds like a simple process. However, the installation of this type is one of its downsides. Installing it without assistance can be complicated.
Flush Bar Roof Rack
This is the sportiest looking of the different types of roof racks that you can install on your Transit Connect.
The crossbar of the roof rack is flush (hence the name) with the roof rail. The most common design features a crossbar that ends with a curvature where it connects with the roof rail.
The downside to this type of roof rack is that it has less loading area because it needs to taper off where it connects to the roof rail.
Through Bar Rack
This type of roof rack got its name because it goes through two brackets that hold it in place on both ends. These two brackets then connect to the roof rail. Because the crossbar goes through the brackets, it can have a slightly longer bar that overhangs the brackets.
The cross-section of this type has an aerodynamic shape that effectively reduces wind noise while driving. This adds to its advantage of having the maximum area for loading cargo.
Foldable Rack
This is a type of rack that you can fold when not in use. It usually includes hinges connecting the cross rail and the bracket. This can make your Transit Connect look like a regular van when you fold the roof rack down.
The downside is that the folding mechanism can accidentally fold the roof rack while in use. This can cause the cargo to loosen and accidentally fall off.
How To Install A Roof Rack On The Ford Transit Connect
Here are the complete " target="_blank" rel="noopener">steps on how to install a roof rack on your Transit Connect.
Preparing Your Vehicle
- Park your Transit Connect on level ground. Ideally, you should have enough room to work on the roof of your Transit Connect.
- Engage the parking brake and set the transmission to “Park.”
- Locate the covers on the roof of your Transit Connect.
- The number of covers depends on the trim and year model of your Transit Connect.
- Some trims have more covers than other trims from the same model year.
- Use a plastic trim remover to remove the covers.
- In some models, you can remove the cover using an Allen wrench.
Check out this tool set on Amazon.
Installing The Roof Rails
Installing The Roof Rails- Place a thick towel on the roof. The towel will prevent the roof rail from scratching the paint.
- Carefully place the roof rail on the roof.
- Clean the surface around the hole.
- Apply clear silicone sealant around the hole on the roof.
- Position the roof rail over the installation point and align the holes.
- Apply clear silicone sealant around the hole on the roof rail.
- Apply some thread sealant on the thread of the bolt.
- Position the washer.
- Install the bolts to fasten the roof rail on your Transit Connect. Repeat Steps 6 to 8 for the other bolt.
- Repeat the same steps above to install the other roof rail.
Check out this silicone on Amazon.
Installing The Roof Rack
- Position the brackets or the foot pack on the roof rail.
- Fasten the first bracket on the roof rail.
- Measure the distance of the first bracket to the nearest end of the roof rail.
- Mark the same distance on the opposite roof rail. This will give you the exact position for the second bracket.
- Make sure that you are installing the correct bracket. Some roof racks (especially the folding types) have specific brackets for specific positions on the roof rail.
- Fasten the second bracket on the roof rail.
- Install the first roof rack.
- If you’re installing a platform rack, do a test installation so that you’ll know where the other pair of brackets should go.
- Mark the location of the second pair of brackets on your roof rail.
- Install the third and fourth brackets.
- Install the second roof rack.
Watch this video for more details on the process.
Wrapping Up
Installing a roof rack on your Ford Transit Connect can be easy because it comes with holes for roof rails. After installing the roof rails, choosing the right roof rack is the only difficult thing to do.
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