Hi. New Escape owner here. (2013 SEL)
I was looking at a nice used Titanium that had a hitch and roof rack (with crossbars) but couldn't make a deal. I ended up buying an SEL that doesn't have the roof rails (or crossbars) so I am wondering what it would take to mount some rails. I've seen several brands on Amazon, I'm assuming I'd need to drill holes where the black rubber strip is going down each side of my roof.
I have a Yakima Load Warrior basket with bike and kayak holders that I'd like to be able to use on my Escape.
Has anyone mounted the rails on their Escape that didn't come from the factory with one ?
Thanks in advance.

 

Was looking at some aftermarket rails on Amazon, and one description said there are 4 mounting points under the rubber strip. The rails bolt on there.
I planned on ordering the rails and the cross bars from the same company so they'd be compatible.

I didn't get an owners manual but downloaded one from Ford. I'm sure I'll have some more questions about this new ride later.

 

I have a 2020 SE that has no side rails and was wondering if I removed the trim would there be mounting holes for the factory rails?