Subaru Outback Roof Rack Comments
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.
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I don't see a problem here.
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.
I'd secure them like Rob suggested.
-mike
Subaru Guru and Track Instructor
Also, the new Outback just one MT's SUV-of-the-Year award. Yeah, yeah, a silly award, but still...
Bob
Foam pads = scratches and dents in the roof.
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
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.
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
www.gear.com
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
http://rackattackportland.wordpress.com/2009/07/02/new-series-cars-of-the-future- -a-rack-installers-opinion-part-1-2010-subaru-outback/
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.
Bob, I'm shocked... horrified! And, I am not referring to the award, I am referring to who one it. :P
Still, it's a nice feather to put is Subaru's marketing cap, and for braggin' rights.
Bob
Tie the back down to a tow hitch - those are rated for a tongue weight of 350 lbs IIRC. If you don't have a hitch I'm sure it wouldn't be too hard to make a braket for that.
At the front I'm sure you can find a rigid place on the grille or front bumper.
Both would also help spread the load fore and aft.
This is a problem for people like me, who spent ~$300 on a Yak rack system planning to move it to future cars just by buying new attachment clips as needed. I've never bothered to try to put them on my '97 Outback though.
The other ironic thing is that Subaru will give you a discount if you are a member of the American Canoe Association. :P
btw, my bars are 78" long.
Steve, visiting host
BTW, a lot of crossovers I looked at (ie, Chevy Equinox and others) had crappy rail designs- they only went part-way along the roofline, making front-back span of crossbars less than 30", not nearly enough to maintain a tight grip on long items like kayaks. The Chevy dealer was a little suprised when I ruled out the vehicle based on roof rack-rail design- guess most people don't really pay much attention to them, or don't use then for anything but occaisional luggage carry.
Ironically I rarely use it, because so much fits inside!
It looks awkward - no tinted windows, no roof rails, plastic wheel covers.
IMHO Subaru is just trying to get something in at around $20k.
Remember that AWD is standard, so every competitor can sell their base model for $1700 or so less.
I do like the price point, though.
Go back and look at my 1998 Forester L - I swear it was much better equipped. I got roof rails, cargo cover, mud guards, lower cladding all around, rear bumper guard, and styled steel wheels instead of plastic covers.
Oh, and a full size spare, too.
Heck, you used to be able to get cross bars, a cargo tray, and a cargo cover all as standard equipment, and I'm sure those are pretty cheap to produce.
http://subaru.eu/Legacy/wallpaper/800/s02c08f06.jpg
This the Euro version of the outback - looks cooler to me and you can attach any rack you want. Why did they have to turn the american version into a goose with a lousy rack?
I might have to consider the volvo XC70 - it has a solid rail and can carry 250Ibs- way more than the OB.
Unfortunately its fuel consumption is high and its pricey.
http://www.trucktrend.com/features/news/163_news091014_euro_spec_2010_subaru_out- back_and_legacy_tourer/index.html
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.
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.
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
Steve, visiting host