Widest Crossbar Spread Roof Rack Solution for 2017 Subaru Outback

Question:

I would like to put yakima racks on my 2017 outback premium. Once concern that I have is that I would like more than 30inch between racks. Does Yakima have a product yet that allows more than just the one option of 30.5? Thanks

asked by: Doug W

Expert Reply:

I can understand wanting to have a larger spread between the crossbars, especially if you're carrying things like canoes and kayaks and don't want to have large amounts of the boats hanging off of either end of the bars. The issue isn't so much the roof rack kits like the # Y53TR with # Y00241 and # Y00421 , as it is the mounting points available on your 2017 Subaru Outback. The Yakima roof rack kit mentioned above has the largest recommended spread of any of the crossbars that we offer- Thule's kits that use the Rapid Podium Feet # TH460R have a 24" maximum recommended spread and the Malone # MPG215 has a 27.5" recommendation.

Most Subaru's have the raised side rails that allow you to slide your bars back and forth a few inches, but the other thing to consider is that a lot of roof rack mounted accessories have a maximum crossbar spread of around 34-35"; so as far as roof rack mounted accessories, there isn't really a benefit in being able to handle a spread much wider than what is recommended for your vehicle and the roof racks.

If you've got the raised side rails that have room under them, as shown in the attached picture, you can move the rails around a bit. If you've got a different roof rail or a completely naked roof, send me a picture and I can help recommend something different that may offer you the ability to use a wider crossbar spread.

expert reply by: Erik B