Roof Rack and Kayak Carrier for 2014 Subaru Outback Wagon

Question:

Newly purchased 2014 Outback Wagon and rails are different. Would like to use a Thule Rook Rack 48 in.square bars and Thule Kayak slider system. Will need new bases and am thinking the Thule Evo Raised Railing Foot pack will suit the car. Is this correct? Also could we fit 2 kayaks, each 24 inches wide on this system securely? We have J bars but the new height of this car makes in difficult to lift and place onto the J bars without a step stool. Therefore the slide system will work better. Please comment on 2 kayaks on the 50in bars.

asked by: Donna

Expert Reply:

For your 2014 Subaru Outback Wagon with raised factory side rails you can indeed use the Thule Evo Raised Rail Roof Rack Kit. The updated parts are feet # TH710401, crossbars # TH712300 and locks # TH450400. On this rack you can definitely fit two 24-inch wide kayaks mounted on J-style carriers. My contact at Thule confirmed that on this rack you can carry two kayaks each up to 36-inches wide.

An alternative to using the Thule Water Slide Non-Skid Loading Mat # TH854, which is shown in the linked video, is a tire step. Topline offers their fully-assembled 400-lb capacity tire step # HE4040 that simply slips over a tire to provide a no-slip step surface for easier rooftop access. This multi-purpose device can be used for any roof-mount accessories, including kayak or cargo carriers, bike racks, etc.

expert reply by: Adam R