Recommended Roof Cargo Box For 2017 Subaru Outback Wagon With Factory Roof Rack

Question:

Hi there, Im interesting in the Yakima Skybox Lo cargo box for my 2017 Subaru Outback. Yakimas datasheet says I need 57inch from the center of my front crossbar to the open hatch at the level of the bars. I only have 52inch or so. Any idea how much Id even be able to open my hatch with this? Can the box be installed forward more to reduce that 57inch requirement?

asked by: Joe

Expert Reply:

We do offer a few roof cargo boxes that will work with the front clearance dimension of 52 inches you said you have on your 2017 Outback Wagon. I am not sure how far you would be able to open the rear hatch with the Yakima SkyBox Lo. If the crossbars on your Outback can be moved forward, you may be able to open the hatch even more.

I recommend going with a roof box that you know will allow you to open the hatch. For a roof box with more room than the Skybox I recommend the Thule Force XT, part # TH6357B. This is a 16-cu ft roof box and it requires 47-1/2 inches of front clearance. This box measures 74-3/4 inches long, 33 inches wide, and 18 inches tall, and has a cargo capacity of 165 lbs. It has a dual-side opening lid so you can access your cargo from either side of the vehicle. If you are carrying sport gear this box will accommodate 5 to 7 pairs of skis or 3 to 5 snowboards.

It can be tough to reach the cargo in the roof box so you may want to check out the # HE4040 tire step. This slips over your vehicle tire and allows you to be able to reach the middle of your roof box. The tire step has a weight capacity of 400-lbs and it will fold flat for easy storage.

expert reply by: Jeffrey L