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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 2 of 5

#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.

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

Oct 15, 2009 (7:19 am)

Replying to: jd_24 (Oct 15, 2009 7:13 am)
According to Drive Mag, the limit is still 100 pounds for the 2010 Outback. Drive Mag
 
150 is stamped on the roof rack. Go see for yourself. Pre-2010 it was 100 pounds.
 
As to how they arrive at that figure? It probably has to do with the structural components of the rack, as well as raising the center of gravity of the vehicle, suspension, handling characteristics, etc.
 
Bob

#12 of 42 Others not happy either... by jd_24

Oct 15, 2009 (8:03 am)

Appears there are other not happy with the roof rack or moving old Yakima/Thule racks to the 2010.
 
www.gear.com

#13 of 42 Re: Others not happy either... [jd_24] by rsholland

Oct 15, 2009 (8:22 am)

Replying to: jd_24 (Oct 15, 2009 8:03 am)
My WRX is going in for the 15K service tomorrow. I will see if they have an accessory brochure for the new Outback. I'm certain that Subaru offers roof rack attachments for most normal needs (bikes, kayaks, etc.).
 
As to older, previously bought attachments? Who knows? Some may work, some may not. As to Thule and Yakama? I'm sure they'll come up with solutions; just give them some time to develop, test and produce them.
 
Bob

#14 of 42 Rack attack story by nes2

Oct 15, 2009 (8:58 am)

Replying to: rsholland (Oct 15, 2009 8:22 am)
I am afraid that it doesn't look good . I contacted Subaru and they dont have any plans to change the rack and they sais they didn't realise they were making a mistake - they have focus groups to help advise them. Obviously they were polling a bunch of armchair shoppers! Check out this thread and read the responses of more than 40 people who dont like the roof racks either and there is the opinion of a rack specialist
http://rackattackportland.wordpress.com/2009/07/02/new-series-cars-of-the-future- -a-rack-installers-opinion-part-1-2010-subaru-outback/

#15 of 42 Re: OUTBACK ROOF RACK IS FLAWED [jd_24] by xwesx

Oct 15, 2009 (9:30 am)

Replying to: jd_24 (Oct 15, 2009 7:13 am)
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.
 
I wouldn't worry about that. I have put well over 200# on those racks before, over some rather questionable terrain, and never had any problem. Yes, the factory crossbars are the weak link in that they flex easily, but hey, it is a better indicator of weight that way than were they to be more rigid!
 
I think the weight problem is most likely to manifest itself in a situation where, say, a load is being carried at the time of a frontal impact. The car comes to a stop abruptly, but the force of the load on the racks shears the bolts and sends the load hurtling forward. If the load exceeded the 100# mfg limit, Subaru is not liable for damages resulting from that chain of events.

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

Oct 15, 2009 (9:35 am)

Replying to: nes2 (Oct 15, 2009 8:58 am)
I don't like them not because they are not clever or useful, but because they limit the options of an individual owner. Yes, the prior generation racks required a little more work in terms of maintaining the cross bars (removing or installing them), but they allowed options. Not only could they be moved fore or aft, but aftermarket bars could replace the "aero" bars to increase utility for the owner. Spread (fore / aft) is not the only issue. I see many folks run 6' Thule or Yakima cross bars in order to accommodate their gear, such as multiple boats, bikes, combinations, etc. The factory bars just do not offer that type of flexibility. And, now, the option of aftermarket replacements is limited/eliminated.

#17 of 42 Re: OUTBACK ROOF RACK IS FLAWED [rsholland] by xwesx

Oct 15, 2009 (9:38 am)

Replying to: rsholland (Oct 15, 2009 5:59 am)
Also, the new Outback just one MT's SUV-of-the-Year award.
 
Bob, I'm shocked... horrified! And, I am not referring to the award, I am referring to who one it.

#18 of 42 Re: OUTBACK ROOF RACK IS FLAWED [xwesx] by rsholland

Oct 15, 2009 (9:56 am)

Replying to: xwesx (Oct 15, 2009 9:38 am)
Me too. When it comes to "SUVs" I'm old school in that it needs to be really off-road capable, first and foremost. In this test the 4-Runner should have won hands-down, with the Outback coming in 2nd.
 
Still, it's a nice feather to put is Subaru's marketing cap, and for braggin' rights.
 
Bob

Messages Page 2 of 5

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