Thule vs Yakima Roof-Mounted Bike Rack for 2018 Subaru Outback With Factory Roof Rack

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Question:

Hi! Your site is awesome, first of all. I have a 2018 Subaru Outback with factory rails with integrated crossbars. I have a carbon fiber mountain bike with wheels that are 2.4 inch wide not a fat tire, but still pretty wide and want to get a wheel mount rack to work easily with my factory crossbars. I only need to carry this single bike. Based on searching your site, I see a few high-quality options: 1 Yakima HighRoad 2 Thule UpRide 3 Yakima Front Loader First, do these all fit my setup? Second, can you please tell me the difference particularly between the two Yakima products? Any information to help me make a decision between these or any others you suggest will be helpful. I only picked these because I recognized the brands. Thanks!

asked by: Kislaya S

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Expert Reply:

Thanks for the nice words, and let's start with fit; I did check with the manufacturers and can confirm that all three roof-mounted bike racks you mentioned - the Thule UpRide Roof Bike Rack # TH599000, Yakima HighRoad Roof Bike Rack # Y02114, and Yakima FrontLoader Wheel Mount Bike Rack # Y02103 are each a confirmed fit for the factory roof rack on your 2018 Subaru Outback.

Let's start with the Yakima, and the difference is that the HighRoad is the newest version of the FrontLoader - it's essentially an update. The HighRoad has a "TorqueRight" knob so you don't overtighten the wheel hoop, can carry 4" tire compared to 3" tires for the FrontLoader, and has a larger weight capacity of 45 lbs. The HighRoad will also only work with 26" - 29" wheels while the FrontLoader works with 20" - 29" wheels. Both also have the ability to lock to your roof rack and come with an integrated cable lock that can lock your bike to the rack. But between the two, the better option due to its updated design is the Yakima HighRoad Roof Bike Rack # Y02114.

The Thule UpRide Roof Bike Rack # TH599000 is excellent as well, and this would be my choice between the three racks. The reason is it has the easiest installation, with clamps that have levers that attach the rack to your crossbars compared to the Yakima's strap system. I also like the way the rear wheel gets held on by a strap that runs diagonal on the Thule for added stability. The UpRide is also the lightest rack so it will be the easiest to get on your Outback's roof. It can fit bikes with tires up to 3" wide (larger with an adapter) so your bike's tires will fit, and with wheel diameters from 20" - 29" for a more diverse range of bikes, in case yours has wheels that size.

Like the Yakima racks, there is also the option to add locks for the rack and your bikes with the Thule UpRide Roof Bike Rack # TH599000.

To lock the rack to your crossbars and your bike to the rack to help protect your investments, for the Yakima you will need the Yakima Same Key System (SKS) Lock Cores # Y07202, and for the Thule you will need the Thule One-Key System Lock Cylinders # TH450200.

I have added links below to video reviews for you to check out as well.

expert reply by: Kyle S

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Answer 1

Yes, I have listed for your below the roof rack systems from Rhino-Rack, Thule, and Yakima that will fit the RetraxPRO XR Hard Tonneau Covers like part #RTT-80243 for your 2019 Ram 1500. Rhino-Rack Vortex Crossbar System part #RRVA180B-RRRLT600…

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Answer 2

The difference between the Class II and Class III hitches has to do with their Gross Trailer Weight (GTW), their Tongue Weight (TW), and their Hitch Receiver Size. Class II trailer hitch receivers have a 1-1/4 inch receiver and can be rated up to…

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Answer 3

Yakima's Skyline towers part #Y53TR can fit the tracks of the Retrax XR that you have with the landing pad 1 part #Y00221 but there isn't a way with the Baseline towers. Your Yakima Corebar or Jetstream bars will work with the Skyline towers…

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Answer 4

According to Rhino Rack, if you were to go with the shorter bars, you'll only have 1-1/4 inch of leeway on each side which isn't enough in their opinion. I'd recommend going with the 71 inch bars so you'll be certain of a good fit. As…

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Answer 5

Yes, the Roamer LT Roof Rack for Pop-Up Campers and Camper Shells #S80510 will fit your 2023 Forest River Flagstaff 176LTD. It is also what I recommend to add a roof rack for a bicycle carrier on your camper. Once installed you will be able to add…

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Answer 6

The Rhino-Rack Vortex StealthBar Roof Rack #JA7970 actually has rubber coated stainless steel straps which secure it to the raised rails on your 2023 Subaru Outback Wilderness. So you won't have issues with the straps failing. If you are only…

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Answer 7

The 71" Rhino-Rack Vortex Crossbars for Retrax XR Tonneau Covers item #RRVA180B-RRRLT600 are the correct set for your 2022 Ram 3500. These are made for full size trucks and fit in the rails of the Retrax PRO XR. These crossbars are exactly…

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Answer 8

Yes, the Rhino-Rack Vortex Crossbars for Retrax XR and Mountain Top EVO-M Tonneau Covers #RRVA180B-RRRLT600 will fit the Roll N Lock tonneau cover with XT rails.

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Thule vs Yakima Roof-Mounted Bike Rack for 2018 Subaru Outback With Factory Roof Rack

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