Using a Roof Rack on a 2015 Subaru Forester And When To Remove It

Question:

I have a 2015 forester with factory raised side rails , but no crossbar. I would like to buy a roof cargo box that I would use 3-4 times per year for camping, etc and am planning to go with the Yakima Timberline as that seems to be recommended. Should I plan to take down my roof rack when not in use? Or leave on the roof at all times? My though is that it will not weather as much if I take down, but perhaps the taking on and off 3-4 times per year will be worse than the constant weathering/drag in the car?

asked by: Mike

Expert Reply:

You can leave a roof rack on your vehicle at all times except when going through a car wash, as this will cause damage to the roof rack and vehicle.

The Timberline is actually incredibly easy to remove, as it uses a steel coated rubber strap to mount directly to the raised factory rails and can install in minutes. Because of this, we do recommend getting a set of Yakima SKS cores, part # Y07204 to secure the rack to the vehicle at all times. These will insert into the tower's covers and add locking deterrent to the vehicle.

To build the kit, you'll need:

Yakima JetStream Crossbars, 50 Inches, Black, part # Y00425
Yakima TimberLine Towers, part # Y33TR

For a roof box, you'll be able to use a wide range of Yakima's boxes, which I've linked below.

You'll want a higher capacity box like the Skybox 21, part # Y07337 for camping activities. This dual side access box provides an additional 21 cubic foot of storage above the vehicle. This box clamps onto the bars and can be quickly and easily removed. This box also comes in 12, 16 and 18 cubic foot variations.

I've included a video review of the Skybox line, plus an installation of the Timberline kit on a 2016 Subaru Forester so you can get familiar with the process.