2014 Ford Escape Owner Manual Printing 2 - Page 170

Load Carrying Note: Never place loads directly on the roof panel. The roof panel is not designed to directly carry a load. For correct roof rack system function, you must place loads directly on crossbars affixed to the roof rack side rails. When using the roof rack system, we recommend you use Ford Genuine Accessory crossbars designed specifically for your vehicle. E142447 Insert the ends of the cargo shade into the mounting features located behind the rear seat on the rear trim panels to install the cargo shade. To operate the cargo shade: 1. Pull the rear edge of the cargo shade rearward. 2. Secure both ends of the support rod into the retention slots located on the rear quarter trim panels. Make sure that you securely fasten the load. Check the tightness of the load before driving and at each fuel stop. Adjusting the Crossbar (If Equipped) Note: For less wind noise and better aerodynamics, only install the crossbars when you need them for carrying cargo. If you prefer to keep the crossbars installed, the front crossbar has two positions. The front position is quieter for wind noise. The rear position may help to reduce wind noise from an open moonroof. Follow the steps to reposition or remove the front crossbar. You can remove the rear crossbar fasteners by unscrewing the assembly. ROOF RACKS AND LOAD CARRIERS WARNING When loading the roof racks, we recommend you evenly distribute the load, as well as maintain a low center of gravity. Loaded vehicles, with higher centers of gravity, may handle differently than unloaded vehicles. Take extra precautions, such as slower speeds and increased stopping distance, when driving a heavily loaded vehicle. The maximum recommended load, evenly distributed on the crossbars, is: • 100 pounds (45 kilograms) for vehicles without a moonroof • 45 pounds (20 kilograms) for vehicles with a moonroof. E142448 1. Remove the crossbar thumbwheels at both sides of the front crossbar by turning them counterclockwise. 167 Escape/Kuga (TM2)