Ford EscapeThe Ford Escape has been thoroughly updated, reinforcing the character and appeal that have made it America's perennial best-selling small sport-utility vehicle. The improvements nearly cover the spectrum, and inject a new level of refinement. We'd call the Escape a little truck among small SUVs. Its new styling deliberately invokes Ford's larger, truck-based SUVs.
Hi all. I just bought a gently used, V -6 powered 4x4, 2006 Escape. It has the rails on the roof running front to back that the rack attaches to, but no rack. I'd like to be able to carry a small amount of lumber on the roof once in a while without damaging the vehicle. The racks that Ford sells look a little flimsy for that type of use. I'm pretty good at fabricating things out of wood and/or metal, so I was thinking of making a platform that I can put on when I need it and remove immediately afterward. I'm thinking of something more substantial than the stock rack, but still anchored to the longitudinal rails, and easily removed when not in use. Has anyone done this already?
Also, what is the best brand of after-market hitch for the Escape? I've been looking at the ones for the Escape on etrailer.com. I've been told that for occasional light towing, I don't need to retrofit a transmission cooler. Are there any differing opinions out there?
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New member, would like some advice. 
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