Fit of Yakima SkyBox 12 Cargo Box and FrontLoader Bike Rack on Roof Rack on 2014 Subaru Outback

Question:

We own a 2014 Subaru outback and a Yakima Skybox 12, which I think is the smallest of those. We need to get a bike on top of the car. Would the Yakima Forklift part # Y02098 fit along with the Skybox 12 and will we still be able to open the hatch? Thank you in advance for your help.

asked by: KC

Expert Reply:

The Yakima Skybox 12 uses 24 inches wide, and the Yakima ForkLift Fork Mount bike rack uses 7-1/4 inches of crossbar width for a total of 31-1/4 inches of crossbar. I don't know the nature of your crossbar set up, so you'll need to measure your available crossbar width to see if you have enough space available.

To check for hatch clearance for the Skybox 12, move the front crossbar all the way forward if its moveable. Then, measure from the middle of your front crossbar rearward to the seam between the hatch and the roof. If this measurement is 40 inches or greater, the box will NOT interfere with the full operation of your rear hatch.

I've linked you to some helpful FAQ articles about roof racks and accessories.

If you don't have a roof rack on the vehicle yet, I'd recommend a Yakima Roof Rack assembled from the following parts:

If your Outback has the side rails that run from front to back, you can add crossbars with Yakima 48 inch crossbars # Y00408 and the Yakima RailGrab Towers, part # Y00138.

If you have the factory crossbars, both the ForkLift and the SkyBox 12 would be compatible with them.

expert reply by: Mike L