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Subaru Outback Roof Rack Comments

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

You are in the Subaru Legacy & Outback Forum.

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

Messages Page 5 of 5

#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.

#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

#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

Messages Page 5 of 5

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