Driver Controls -> LUGGAGE RACK for Your Ford Explorer SUV Fifth Generation (2005-2011)

Driver Controls  
LUGGAGE RACK  
Your vehicle is equipped with a roof rack for transporting items on the  
exterior of the vehicle.  
The maximum recommended load to  
be carried on the roof rack is 100 lb  
(45 kg), evenly distributed. The  
cross-bars (if equipped) can be  
adjusted by using the thumbwheels  
at each end. Use the tie-down loops  
on the thumbwheels to secure load.  
To adjust cross-bar position (if  
equipped):  
1. Loosen the thumbwheel at both  
ends of the cross-bar (If the  
thumbwheel is too tight to release  
by hand, a small screwdriver or  
similar device can be used to release  
the torque by inserting the shaft  
into the tie-down loop and twisting  
the thumbwheel counterclockwise).  
Both cross-bars are adjustable.  
2. Slide the cross-bar to the desired location.  
3. Firmly retighten the thumbwheel at both ends of the cross-bar.  
Be sure to check that the thumbwheels are tight each time load is added  
or removed from the roof rack, and periodically while traveling. Always  
ensure that the load is secure before traveling.  
Note: When the cross-bars are not in use, they can either be removed or  
adjusted so that the rear crossbar is fully rearward, and the front  
crossbar is 10 inches from the front end-cap to decrease wind noise.  
Ford Motor Company recommends loading the roof rack only when  
equipped with (optional) crossbars, to avoid unintended damage to the  
roof panel.  
148  
2010 Explorer (exp)  
Owners Guide, 2nd Printing  
USA (fus)  
Driver Controls  
WARNING: Loaded vehicles, with a higher center of gravity,  
may handle differently than unloaded vehicles. Extra  
precautions, such as slower speeds and increased stopping distance,  
should be taken when driving a heavily loaded vehicle.  
WARNING: Vehicles with a higher center of gravity such as  
utility and four-wheel drive vehicles handle differently than  
vehicles with a lower center of gravity. Utility and four-wheel drive  
vehicles are not designed for cornering at speeds as high as passenger  
cars any more than low-slung sport cars are designed to perform  
satisfactorily under off-road conditions. Avoid sharp turns, excessive  
speed and abrupt maneuvers in these vehicles. Failure to drive  
cautiously could result in an increase risk of loss of vehicle control,  
vehicle rollover, personal injury and death.  
149  
2010 Explorer (exp)  
Owners Guide, 2nd Printing  
USA (fus)