Subaru Outback Roof Rack Comments

It just has a rail that you could use to attach any roof rack you want without the limitations of the north american outback. Check out this link to see all the euro versions. The europeans even get a legacy wagon. How come the europeans always get the best versions?!

http://www.trucktrend.com/features/news/163_news091014_euro_spec_2010_subaru_out- back_and_legacy_tourer/index.html

Replies to this message:

xwesx (Oct 16, 2009 3:54 pm)

#35 of 42 Re: Rack attack story [nes2] by xwesx

Oct 16, 2009 (3:54 pm)

Replying to: nes2 (Oct 16, 2009 3:44 pm)

Oh, yeah. Very nice; very subtle! Thanks for sharing those links. The typical NA customer is a curious one; an oddity in the world.

#36 of 42 kayak workaround by abz

Oct 17, 2009 (5:30 pm)

I had been worried about how to securely carry larger kayaks on the fixed with cross-bars of the 2010 Outback.

I just found a Thule rack system that has its own frame and allows me to extend the cradles up to 5' apart. The system is the Thule Slipstream 887XT for anyone who had the same concerns.

Replies to this message:

nes2 (Oct 17, 2009 6:56 pm)

#37 of 42 Re: kayak workaround [abz] by nes2

Oct 17, 2009 (6:56 pm)

Replying to: abz (Oct 17, 2009 5:30 pm)

Interesting but its still attached to the factory crossbars which have poor bar spread. When you use the Thule tool to determine which thule rack is best for you then it doesn't recommend the slipstream for the 2010 outback. I called Thule myself and they didnt recommend this model?!

#38 of 42 kayak workaround by abz

Oct 18, 2009 (6:42 am)

I saw the rack on an Infinity FX35. The crossbars on that didn't look to be more than 30" apart. When I measured the Outback, it looked like a 32" spread. My Outback is on order (I own an '05 LGT wagon now). I'll let you know how the rack works when I have the new vehicle.

Replies to this message:

steve_ (Oct 18, 2009 12:06 pm)
ateixeira (Oct 19, 2009 11:59 am)

#39 of 42 Re: kayak workaround [abz] by steve_ HOST

Oct 18, 2009 (12:06 pm)

Replying to: abz (Oct 18, 2009 6:42 am)

The slickest rack system I've seen in a long time is on a guy's Prius out in California. You have to search his site to see the photos since there's no direct link to them.

He uses Yakima Landing Pad #7 kits and if you don't mind drilling holes in your roof, you gain a nice clean look while the rack is off the car.

Getting the factory rack off would be a whole 'nother can of worms though. Nothing a little Bondo couldn't handle though.

#40 of 42 Re: kayak workaround [abz] by ateixeira

Oct 19, 2009 (11:59 am)

Replying to: abz (Oct 18, 2009 6:42 am)

I wonder what the max spread is on the Venza, perhaps the most direct competitor? Also on the Honda CrossTour when it arrives?

#41 of 42 Update on racks for '10 and up Outbacks by steine13

Dec 01, 2010 (4:48 pm)

I thought I'd post something I learned elsewhere on the web: Yakima has worked up a solution where the factory folding crossbars are completely removed, and a "Landing Pad #12" is bolted in place, which will receive Yakima's "Control Towers."

The bar spread is reported to be 30 to 31 inches, a meaningful improvement. If you google a little, you will find a picture of the setup.

I've had Landing Pads before, and if mounted solidly, they are my favorite rack attachment. No play, no adjustment, just set the rack in its place, rotate the lock 90 degrees, and you're good to go. It's not as good as having a track in place of the factory rack, but it'll do for most things.

Interestingly enough, if you go to the Yakima web site and try to configure a roof rack for your '11 OB, they'll try to sell you something different; a "Railgrab" setup that has less spread and won't be nearly as solid.

Being able to carry a canoe or two is important to me... I tried to attach a picture but I guess I gotta try the link: link title

Cheers -Mathias

Replies to this message:

steve_ (Dec 01, 2010 4:58 pm)

#42 of 42 Re: Update on racks for '10 and up Outbacks [steine13] by steve_ HOST

Dec 01, 2010 (4:58 pm)

Replying to: steine13 (Dec 01, 2010 4:48 pm)

Good to hear. Nice pic too. Maybe I'll run into you sometime up in the UP where we recently moved. Look for a green MR Explorer Kevlar on an old red Outback.

Steve, visiting host

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