Every roof rack system that fits the 1997 Ford Explorer, from Rhino-Rack and Yakima, plus older racks that still fit. This Explorer comes with raised rails or factory tracks depending on trim, so start by matching your roof below.
- Roof types: Raised rails, Factory tracks
- Rack systems listed: 14 across 2 brands
- Crossbar lengths: 46" to 50" depending on system
- Max rack load: up to 220 lb (always stay under your vehicle's roof limit)
Pacific Rack kits for your 1997 Explorer
Complete kits with our own crossbars, in stock and ready to ship. Match your roof type:
For raised rails
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Pacific Rack PRO Aero 52″ Load Bar Kit for Raised Rails
$149.00 Add to cart -
Sale!
Pacific Rack Universal Crossbars for Raised Side Rails – Heavy Duty & Easy to Use
Original price was: $139.00.$109.00Current price is: $109.00. Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page -
Pacific Rack PRO Aero 52″ Load Bar Kit with Yakima TimberLine Towers
$349.00 Add to cart -
Pacific Rack PRO Aero 52″ Load Bar Kit with Thule Rapid Crossroad 450R Feet + Locks
$299.00 Add to cart
For factory tracks
1997 Explorer with raised rails
| Brand | System | Fit kit | Max load (lb) | Shop |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rhino-Rack | Sportz RX — RX100 (RX100 Leg (x4)) | None (complete: JC-06937) | 220 | Rhino Rack RX100 Raised Rail Leg Kit Replacement Single Rhino Rack RX100 Raised Rail… |
| Rhino-Rack | Sportz RX — RX100 (RX100 Leg (x4)) | None (complete: JC-05687) | 220 | Rhino Rack RX100 Raised Rail Leg Kit Replacement Single Rhino Rack RX100 Raised Rail… |
| Rhino-Rack | Vortex RX — RX100 (RX100 Leg (x4)) | None (complete: JC-01567) | 220 | Rhino Rack RX100 Raised Rail Leg Kit Replacement Single Rhino Rack RX100 Raised Rail… |
1997 Explorer with factory tracks
| Brand | System | Fit kit | Max load (lb) | Shop |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rhino-Rack | Heavy Duty RLTP — RLTP (RLTP Leg (x2)) | None (complete: JA6210) | 220 | Ask us — we can source it |
| Rhino-Rack | Heavy Duty RLTP — RLTP (RLTP Leg (x2)) | None (complete: JA6209) | 88 | Ask us — we can source it |
| Rhino-Rack | Heavy Duty RLTP Trackmount — LHSPAIR (Heavy Duty Leg Height Spacer); RLTP (RLTP Leg (x2)) | RTV168 (complete: JA8713) | 220 | Ask us — we can source it |
| Rhino-Rack | Heavy Duty RLTP Trackmount — RLTP (RLTP Leg (x2)) | RTV168 (complete: JA8701) | 220 | Ask us — we can source it |
| Rhino-Rack | Sportz RLTP — RLTP (RLTP Leg (x2)) | VA-FK1 (complete: JC-07085) | 220 | Ask us — we can source it |
| Rhino-Rack | Sportz RLTP — RLTP (RLTP Leg (x2)) | VA-FK1 (complete: JC-07090) | 88 | Ask us — we can source it |
| Rhino-Rack | Sportz RLTP — RLTP (RLTP Leg (x2)) | VA-FK1 (complete: JC-05840) | 88 | Ask us — we can source it |
| Rhino-Rack | Sportz RLTP — RLTP (RLTP Leg (x2)) | VA-FK1 (complete: JC-05835) | 220 | Ask us — we can source it |
| Rhino-Rack | Sportz RLTP Trackmount | None (complete: JC-05880) | 220 | Ask us — we can source it |
| Rhino-Rack | Sportz RLTP Trackmount — RLTP (RLTP Leg (x2)) | RTV168, VA-FK1 (complete: JC-07130) | 220 | Ask us — we can source it |
| Yakima | Yakima SkyLine Towers | Landing Pad 1 | Yakima Landing Pad 1 Set of 4 Yakima Control Tower +… Yakima SkyLine Towers |
Parts that fit your 1997 Explorer
-
Rhino Rack RX100 Raised Rail Leg Kit (4 legs)
$299.99 Add to cart -
Replacement Single Rhino Rack RX100 Raised Rail Foot – 1 Foot
$69.00 Add to cart -
Yakima SkyLine Towers – (Set of 4)
$275.00 Add to cart -
Yakima SkyLine Towers (Set of Two)
$155.00 Add to cart -
Sale!
Set of 4 Yakima Control Tower + 4x Landing Pad #1 (for tracks)
Original price was: $299.00.$239.95Current price is: $239.95. Add to cart -
Yakima Landing Pad 1
$75.00 Add to cart -
Truck Cap Track Roof Rack Kit – Yakima SkyLine + Landing Pad 1 + 52″ PRO Aero Bars
$499.00 Add to cart
Cargo boxes for your 1997 Ford Explorer
A cargo box mounts on the crossbars above. Check the box’s crossbar spread range and make sure your rear hatch opens clear of it. Boxes are oversized, so most are pickup at our Ashland store, where we’ll mount it for you.
Bike racks for your 1997 Ford Explorer
Roof bike racks clamp to your crossbars. Hitch bike racks need a receiver hitch — check whether yours is 1.25″ or 2″ before ordering.
Roof-mount bike racks
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Kuat Trio Rooftop Bike Rack – Grey/Orange & Black/Silver
$249.00 Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page -
Yakima FrontLoader – Rooftop Bike Mount
$275.00 Add to cart
Hitch bike racks
-
RockyMounts MonoRail Solo – Single Tray Hitch Bike Rack 1.25″/2″
$419.99 Add to cart -
Thule ReVert 6-Bike Vertical Hitch Rack – In Store Only
$1,199.95 Add to cart -
Yakima OnRamp LX E-Bike Rack 2″ Hitch – In Store Only
$999.00 Add to cart -
Thule Verse 2″ 2-Bike Hitch Platform Bike Rack- In Store Only
$999.95 Add to cart
Buy used
Looking for a deal? Check Rack Trader for used racks and parts that fit the Explorer.
Other Explorer years
20272026202520242023202220212020201920182017201620152014201320122011201020092008200720062005200420032002200120001999199819971996
Fit info is compiled from Thule, Yakima and Rhino-Rack data. Always confirm against the manufacturer's install instructions and your vehicle's roof load limit.