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Subaru Outback Roof Rack Comments

42 messages,  Last post on Dec 01, 2010 at 4:58 PM

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What is this discussion about? Subaru Legacy, Subaru Outback, Sedan, Wagon

Messages Page 1 of 5

#1 of 42 OUTBACK ROOF RACK IS FLAWED by nes2

Oct 13, 2009 (12:15 pm)

The new outback roof rack is a cute idea but its design is flawed. The bar spread is very limited and cant be adjusted and so carrying boats - such as a kayak would be dangerous because you cant disperse the weight of a long object very easily. I think a custom installed rack might be the only solution and adding an after market Thule rack wouldn't help as you would still have to attach it to the subaru cross bars.

#2 of 42 Re: OUTBACK ROOF RACK IS FLAWED [nes2] by robm2

Oct 13, 2009 (1:01 pm)

Replying to: nes2 (Oct 13, 2009 12:15 pm)
No different than any other vehicle with, or without, a roof rack. You can still tie it down onto foam/cloth, and tie the rope under the bumper and/or hitch.
 
I don't see a problem here.

#3 of 42 Re: OUTBACK ROOF RACK IS FLAWED [robm2] by nes2

Oct 13, 2009 (1:14 pm)

Replying to: robm2 (Oct 13, 2009 1:01 pm)
If you want to carry a couple of kayaks or a canoe then you need a real rack.
The 2009 outback had solid rails that you can use to attach a Thule cross bar system. The 2010 outback doesn't give you this option - LOOK at the rails. You cant have a adequate cross bar spread and the factory cross bars cannot be adjusted.
Real outdoor enthusiasts will be disappointed. Subaru should have stuck with the 2009 roof rails. Back to the design board.

#4 of 42 Re: OUTBACK ROOF RACK IS FLAWED [nes2] by ateixeira

Oct 14, 2009 (8:27 am)

Replying to: nes2 (Oct 13, 2009 1:14 pm)
Subaru shows a kayak on the roof in their own press photos, so it can be done.
 
I'd secure them like Rob suggested.

#5 of 42 Re: OUTBACK ROOF RACK IS FLAWED [ateixeira] by paisan

Oct 14, 2009 (7:03 pm)

Replying to: ateixeira (Oct 14, 2009 8:27 am)
I agree with Rob and Juice.
 
-mike
Subaru Guru and Track Instructor

#6 of 42 Re: OUTBACK ROOF RACK IS FLAWED [paisan] by nes2

Oct 14, 2009 (8:10 pm)

Replying to: paisan (Oct 14, 2009 7:03 pm)
yes it can be done but not with grace. My point is that the 2009 rails actually allowed you to put a better roof rack on the car. The 2010 rack limits this. The photos I have seen show short kayaks that dont weigh much. Sea kayaks and canoes are 16-22feet(double) long and you cant just put a little foam underneath and expect the boats to stay on the roof if you are driving on a bumpy road.

#7 of 42 Re: OUTBACK ROOF RACK IS FLAWED [nes2] by rsholland

Oct 15, 2009 (5:59 am)

Replying to: nes2 (Oct 14, 2009 8:10 pm)
On the flip side this new roof rack is now rated to carry 150 pounds (it's stamped on the rack). The old Outback rack was rated for 100 pounds.
 
Also, the new Outback just one MT's SUV-of-the-Year award. Yeah, yeah, a silly award, but still...
 
Bob

#8 of 42 Re: OUTBACK ROOF RACK IS FLAWED [nes2] by jd_24

Oct 15, 2009 (6:13 am)

Replying to: nes2 (Oct 14, 2009 8:10 pm)
I think I agree that the roof rack is flawed. With a Yakima rack (cross bars+mounts) I put 5 bikes on my 2001 OB. The spacing of the Yakima cross bars looks like they will be too close together (front to back). Keeping them spred as far possible increases the stability. WIth a 16' canoe, cross bars less than 30inches apart won't be stable despite front and rear tie downs. Now I haven't actually measued how much space there is, but judging by pictures there appears to be less than 30 inches of space to attach after market cross bars.
Foam pads = scratches and dents in the roof.

#9 of 42 Re: OUTBACK ROOF RACK IS FLAWED [jd_24] by rsholland

Oct 15, 2009 (6:39 am)

Replying to: jd_24 (Oct 15, 2009 6:13 am)
I put 5 bikes on my 2001 OB.
 
And in doing so, exceeded the roof rack weight limit, I'm sure.
 
Keep in mind you have to include the weight of the bikes and the mounting hardware. The '01 Outback had a roof rack weight limit of 100 pounds. I'm sure the total weight of 5 bikes and hardware exceeded that. As you said, it could be done, but Subaru doesn't recommend it.
 
Bob

#10 of 42 Re: OUTBACK ROOF RACK IS FLAWED [rsholland] by jd_24

Oct 15, 2009 (7:13 am)

Replying to: rsholland (Oct 15, 2009 6:39 am)
I'm only slightly over...rack is about 35lbs and 5 bikes between 15 and 18pounds = 120ish total.
 
According to Drive Mag, the limit is still 100 pounds for the 2010 Outback. Drive Mag
 
I've never found a true answer if the load limit is for the cross bars or the rack overall. The cross bars do seem to be the weakest link and flex easily. Hence I use after market bars.
 
A 100 or even 150lb limit will be easily exceeded when you tie down a canoe or long kayak. The tie down tension will add many pounds of force plus a long lever to multiply that force.

Messages Page 1 of 5

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