About to become an Escape owner - - Ford Forums - Mustang Forum, Ford Trucks, Ford Focus and Ford Cars

blarg · 04-23-2009, 16:44

I put in a factory order about 3 weeks ago for a Escape LTD AWD V6.

just had some questions that came to mind -

1) I did not order the wet trunk but was wondering if it could be installed by me after the fact.

2) Are there any decent tubular side-step kits that just bolt on? I don't really need the steps, but see them as more of a way of keeping other people's doors off my sheet metal.

3) can the roof rails be removed? Not the cross bars, but the ones bolted to the roof. I asked the dealer if there was some kind of roof rail delete option, since the base model comes without them but I was told, no.

4) will a full-sized spare fit? I'd really like to get a 5th matching wheel and have a normal spare if it's possible.

**360ci** · 04-24-2009, 16:52

1 - you'll have to check with the dealer on this. Dealers will charge 2-3 times the price of a factory option (in most cases), so be forewarned
2 - Sidesteps won't be tall enough to escape door dings, unless you can find some older Honda cars to park beside. Most vehicles doors open around 12"-16" off the ground and in most cases, will go over the bars as they'll mount 1-2" below the doors and tuck inside the frame. However, you can check out Summit Racing - High Performance Car and Truck Parts | 800-230-3030 or Performance Parts Online for Cars and Trucks - Performance Center as a couple suggestions if you HAVE to get bars.
3 - Roof rails are permanently installed. Same goes for all vehicles with a roof rail system. You could remove them yourself, but you'd void your comprehensive warranty as water and other crap would find its way into the vehicle.
4 - you'd have to measure a regular wheel/tire and compare it to the compact spare underneath. You may be able to squeeze a larger tire in, but be mindful of the exhaust. If it's too close to the tire, it'll deform it and can potentially burst the tire and you'll be carting 50lbs of dead weight around for nothing. If I recall, there might be an exhaust shield around the spare already, but I haven't looked under an '09 ...yet.

Fords-36+ · 04-25-2009, 11:11

Quote:

Originally Posted by blarg

I put in a factory order about 3 weeks ago for a Escape LTD AWD V6.

just had some questions that came to mind -

1) I did not order the wet trunk but was wondering if it could be installed by me after the fact.

2) Are there any decent tubular side-step kits that just bolt on? I don't really need the steps, but see them as more of a way of keeping other people's doors off my sheet metal.

3) can the roof rails be removed? Not the cross bars, but the ones bolted to the roof. I asked the dealer if there was some kind of roof rail delete option, since the base model comes without them but I was told, no.

4) will a full-sized spare fit? I'd really like to get a 5th matching wheel and have a normal spare if it's possible.

***On item #2 the Side Step, we got them on our 2007 Escape from the dealer, and are very pleased with them, since Wife did the dealing on that one, I don't know how much they cost, however, I think they are very nice and sturdy for sure. Hope this helps

blarg · 04-29-2009, 17:26

thanks for the replies!

I just found out that a full sized spare WILL fit in the spare tire well...and certain trailer hitches will clear it with no problem. However, the full sized spare is a fleet only option so Ford won't sell me one. I'll have to buy a 5th matching wheel on my own.

...now I just have to wait for the thing to show up.

**360ci** · 04-29-2009, 17:37

At least it'll fit!

It's just a shame that fleet owners get to have all the more worth while goodies...