Ford Motor Company introduced the Escape compact SUV for the 2001 model year. Priced and sized below the popular Explorer, the Escape appealed to those who wanted the versatility of an SUV with the maneuverability and fuel economy of a smaller vehicle. An adjustable roof-mounted luggage rack provided Escape owners with additional carrying capacity for large items that would not necessarily fit inside the SUV's cargo area. The roof rack consisted of two stationary rails that ran from front to back, over the doors, and two adjustable rails that ran between the stationary rails from side to side.
Step 1
Open the left-rear door on the Escape. Step onto the door threshold and grab the roof rail to elevate yourself so you can easily see the Escape's roof.
Step 2
Turn the left-side adjuster knobs on both of the adjustable slide rails counterclockwise until the end of the rail is moveable by hand.
Step 3
Move to the passenger side of the Escape and repeat Steps 1 and 2. Adjust the slide rails to suit the width of your cargo. Tighten the adjuster knobs at all four positions to lock the rails into place.
Step 4
Set your cargo onto the roof rack, centered between the two side rails and fully supported by the two adjustable rails.
Step 5
Connect one bungee cord to the front adjustable rail on the left side, wrap it over the top of the cargo and down onto the rear adjustable rail. Make sure the cord is tight.
Step 6
Repeat Step 5 on the right side, making sure that cord is tight as well.
Step 7
Connect a bungee cord to the left side rail, wrap the cord over the front of the cargo and down onto the right side rail. Wrap a fourth cord over the rear of the cargo in the same manner.
Tip
The roof rack capacity is 100 lbs. Do not place any cargo of greater weight on the roof rack.
You may need more bungee cords to properly secure your cargo depending on its shape, size and weight.
If you do not have bungee cords, you can substitute sturdy rope, tied off with solid knots, such as a square knot.