If you've been hunting for a 2017 f 150 roof rack, you already know that while the truck bed is huge, it's never quite big enough for everything. Whether you're trying to haul a pair of kayaks to the lake, some extra lumber for a weekend project, or a massive cargo box for a family road trip, that space above the cab is prime real estate. The 2017 model year is a sweet spot for the F-150, but because of the aluminum body and specific door seals, you can't just throw any old universal bar up there and hope for the best.
I've spent plenty of time messing around with truck builds, and the roof rack is usually one of those "wish I'd done it sooner" upgrades. It changes the whole silhouette of the truck, making it look a bit more rugged, but more importantly, it solves the constant puzzle of how to fit gear without leaving the tailgate open.
Why Put a Rack on an F-150 Anyway?
You might be thinking, "I have a six-foot bed, why do I need to put stuff on the roof?" Honestly, it's about organization. If you've got a bed full of camping gear, a cooler, and maybe a couple of bikes, there's no room left for long items like a ladder or a paddleboard. A roof rack lets you stack vertically.
Plus, for the folks into overlanding, a roof rack is basically a requirement if you want to run a roof-top tent but still keep your bed accessible for drawers or a fridge slide. It keeps the heavy, bulky stuff out of the way so you aren't digging through a pile of gear every time you need a wrench or a snack.
Choosing the Right Style for Your Cab
The 2017 F-150 came in a few different cab sizes—Regular, SuperCab, and SuperCrew. This is the first thing you have to check before you hit "buy" on any rack. Most of the high-end, sleek platform racks are designed specifically for the SuperCrew because that's what most people are driving.
If you have a SuperCrew, you have a lot more options. You can go with a full-length platform that covers the whole roof, giving you a ton of mounting points. If you have a SuperCab, your roof is shorter, so you might be limited to a two-bar crossmember setup. It's not a dealbreaker, but it's something to keep in mind so you don't end up with a rack that overhangs your windshield like a weird visor.
Crossbars vs. Platforms
This is the big debate. Crossbars are usually cheaper and easier to take on and off. They're perfect if you just need to clip on a bike rack or a ski carrier once in a while. They're low profile and don't usually tank your gas mileage too badly.
Platforms, on the other hand, are for the serious gear haulers. They look like a flat tray on top of your truck. The beauty of a platform is the versatility. Most of them have T-slots everywhere, so you can bolt down shovels, recovery boards, light bars, or even a spare tire. They're noisier and more expensive, but they turn your truck into a utility beast.
The Installation Struggle: To Drill or Not to Drill?
This is where things get a little tense for some truck owners. A lot of the heavy-duty racks for the 2017 F-150 require you to drill into the roof ditch. I know, drilling holes into a perfectly good truck sounds like a nightmare. But, if you want a rack that can hold 300+ pounds while you're bouncing down a dirt road, those bolts need a solid anchor point.
If the idea of a drill near your paint job makes you sweat, there are plenty of "no-drill" options. These usually clip into the door frames. They're surprisingly sturdy, but they do have lower weight ratings. They're great for lighter stuff like surfboards, but I wouldn't trust them with a heavy roof-top tent and two adults sleeping inside. Always check the dynamic weight rating (when the truck is moving) versus the static rating (when you're parked).
Dealing with Wind Noise and Gas Mileage
Let's be real: putting a big metal frame on top of a brick-shaped vehicle isn't going to help your aerodynamics. Once you install a 2017 f 150 roof rack, you're probably going to hear it. At highway speeds, racks can whistle or hum.
Most modern racks come with a wind fairing—that little slanted piece of plastic or metal at the front. Don't skip installing it. It's there to kick the air over the rack instead of letting it whistle through the gaps. As for gas mileage, expect a slight drop. It might only be 1 or 2 MPG, but over a long road trip, it adds up. If you're worried about it, look for a low-profile rack that sits as close to the roof as possible.
Materials Matter: Aluminum vs. Steel
Since the 2017 F-150 has an aluminum body, it makes sense to go with an aluminum rack. Aluminum is lightweight, which is huge because you don't want to use up all your roof's weight capacity just with the rack itself. Plus, it doesn't rust. If you live somewhere with salted roads in the winter or near the ocean, a steel rack will eventually show rust spots where the powder coating gets chipped. Aluminum stays clean and lasts basically forever.
Steel racks are definitely out there, and they're usually cheaper. They're incredibly strong, but they weigh a ton. If you're already pushing the limits of your truck's payload, adding an extra 80-100 pounds of steel to the roof isn't the best move.
Making Sure It's Secure
Once you get that rack on, you've got to think about security. Not just making sure the rack doesn't fly off on the interstate, but making sure your gear doesn't "walk away" when you're parked at a trailhead.
Many crossbar systems have locking cores that prevent someone from just unscrewing the feet and taking the whole setup. If you're getting a platform rack, look into locking accessory mounts. I always tell people to double-check their bolts after the first 100 miles of driving. Things settle, vibrations happen, and you'd be surprised how much a bolt can loosen up after a few hours of highway vibration.
Final Thoughts on Upgrading Your Truck
Adding a 2017 f 150 roof rack is one of those upgrades that changes how you use your vehicle. It moves the truck from just being a "commuter with a bed" to a legitimate adventure rig. You stop worrying about whether the Christmas tree will fit or if you can bring the extra luggage for the in-laws.
Take your time with the install, measure twice, and really think about what you're going to carry most often. If it's just for looks, go cheap and easy. But if you're planning on some serious mountain trips or heavy work use, spend the extra bit for a solid, reputable system. Your truck—and your gear—will thank you for it when you're halfway up a mountain pass and everything is still exactly where it's supposed to be.