Scaffolding for the Excursion

[POLR BR]

I am about to fabricate a roof carrier (basket carrier) for the Excursion. As I started to draw out the designs I realized that the Excursion is 6' 8" and the Yakima roof mounts add another 3". The carrier will add yet another 6" for a total of 7' 5" more or less. Getting heavy camping gear out of the carrier will be nearly impossible short of carrying a ladder.

Has anyone come up with a good solution to this problem? The tire step mount does not appear very useful as it does not give any elevation beyond what the running boards do.

Also, I note Ford recommends not putting more than 165 lbs on the roof. Can that spec be exceeded and if so by how much?

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2000 Excursion LTD 4x4, Oxford White, PSD 3.73, K&N, Hypertech PPIII, Dynomax Muffler, Ramsey Winch Mount & Grill/Brush Guard

[jbkrab]

I spent the bucks for the tire step from FORD. It is adjustable and I think is plenty of height boost. I'm only 5' 8" tall. Although I do use a 6' step ladder for waxing.

There is a company called LAB SAFETY EQUIP. that sells a 24" double sided Werner fiberglass ladder. A bit pricey but more user friendly. I was planning on buying this but decided on the tire step. I don't plan on using the roof rack for now. I may change my mind, but for now the tire step is fine.

Regards,
Ben

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2000 XLT EXCURSION, Chestnut, PSD, 3.73 LS, AT Tires, Skid Plate, Tele PWR TT Mirrors, Chrome Wheels, Reverse Sen. Aid., K&N Air Filter, 3 Guages, TTM, APCM