Can I Use 53 inch Thule AeroBlade Crossbars on my 2017 Subaru Forester

Question:

Hello, Will the Thule 711220 fit a 2017 Subaru Forester. I understand that the 47inch Aeroblade is recommended, however if I can use the 53inch without cutting the track that the feet slide into, it would allow 2 kayaks, etc. Id use Rapid Crossroad feet with this. Also, same vehicle, will the Thule Hyper XL TH612 fit? Finally, if its yes to all of the above, can I get them with the same lockset ox and feet? Thanks!

asked by: Peter

Expert Reply:

To find out if you can use the 53"Thule WingBar Evo Crossbars # TH711420 with the Evo Foot Pack # TH710401 on your 2017 Subaru Forester, you will need to do some measuring. If the center to center distance of the side rails on your Forester's roof is no less than 35-3/4 inches, then the 53 inch bars will work for your application. If your measurement is less than that, then you will need to use the 47 inch Crossbars # TH711220.

If you do not have factory installed rails on your Subaru then you will need to use the Podium Foot Pack for Aero Bars # TH460R along with the Fit Kit # THKIT3079. If you measure your fixed point or rain gutter at the center and it is no less than 39-1/2 inches, then you can use the same 53" bars on your Forester. Again, if your measurement is less than that, then you will need to use the 47" bars instead.

To determine whether or not the Thule Motion XT # TH629706 will fit on your Subaru without rear hatch interference, you will need to have your front crossbar as far towards the front of your vehicle that you can and if there is 47-1/2 inches from that crossbar to the line where the roof and the hatch meets, then it will fit. Since you are looking at the Crossroad Foot Pack I suggest measuring from the front area of your factory side rails where the foot pack can be installed.

If you are able to get all of the equipment that allows you to use the locks then yes, we have the Thule One-Key System Lock Cylinders, part # TH450600, which will allow you to use the same keys for all of the locks. Just use the universal control key to remove any installed lock cylinders and then install the new ones.

We also carry a wide variety of kayak carriers. I have included a link to our selection of kayak carriers as well as some demonstration videos to some of the products that I mentioned.