Adding a roof rack to 2007 Ford Focus

My wife and I are looking at selling our Ford Escape to buy a new more fuel efficient vehicle.  That means that I will be using our Ford Focus to transport my yak.  Does anyone have any good suggestions as to which rack to go with.  I see that they vary in price range (from about $200+).  I assume like anything else you get what you pay for, but I don't want to just dump money if it's not necessary.  Also, does anyone have experience installing the rack themselves?  It doesn't look too difficult, but I'd hate to screw something up and watch my kayak bounce across the freeway! 

Thanks

Send ATD a message, he had racks on his Focus.

Send message to SuperVato, he also transport kayak on focus.

I like Yakima Q towers. You can get the overall setup for under $200, and then it's about $40 to get the car specific parts when you change. The Yakima round bars are compatible with almost all accessories, and because they've been around for a while, accessories are pretty cheap.

I would be happy to talk about focus racks if it would help. Send me a personal message if you would like to speak and I will telephone and tell you what I know.
-Amos

My wife and I are looking at selling our Ford Escape to buy a new more fuel efficient vehicle.  That means that I will be using our Ford Focus to transport my yak.  Does anyone have any good suggestions as to which rack to go with.  I see that they vary in price range (from about $200+).  I assume like anything else you get what you pay for, but I don't want to just dump money if it's not necessary.  Also, does anyone have experience installing the rack themselves?  It doesn't look too difficult, but I'd hate to screw something up and watch my kayak bounce across the freeway! 

Thanks

Wagon, Sedan or ZX3?

I have a Prius and find it too short for most of our kayaks. If I had to use it I would add a rear hitch receiver and add a T-rack as with the truck extenders and use this at the rear and add a single cross bar at the front doors to get the distance I wanted. The T-racks come apart and easily can store inside the car when not in use. I use one with my pickup and it fits in the back of the extended cab when not mounted.

it might be best to get your racks directly mounted to your roof.  A good rack outfitter will be able to do this, or you can measure twice, drill once, and mount yourself.  That said, I'm running Yakima Whisperbars on my 03 Tacoma double cab, attached to the overhang above the door by myself.  Lots of trips for me to the Sierra, and a 10 day trip up to Oregon, even some light off road without any problems.

Thule 480 Traverse, 1565 fit kit; mine is correctly installed and there is 32" OC between the square bars, bow and stern line highly recommended. Rack Solid in SF has been generous to NCKA events and I would highly recommend them. Their prices are good, they support the NCKA, and they will install it for you quickly and damage free. I transport my Trident13 worry free inverted right on the bars. I haul only one yak and don't entirely trust J racks, if I wanted to carry a second kayak or add a roof top cargo box and rod holder which is a future plan I would get the non-folding type the are stronger to allow more available width. For me garage clearance is a concern the garage door opener in my one car garage is low and the track could foul on my kayak if the rack and everything got too tall. I like the ability to park in the garage with kayak on rack for security and extra flexibility(one less thing to do in the morning, no one ripping me off).  and use my Wheelez straps so that I don't have to screw around looking for them when it is time to get on the water.
-No one right way, but this is what I have come up with after some time and energy, hope it helps. Good luck with everything and I hope whatever you do it works for you.  Amos