Adding a Roof Rack and Bike Rack to 2018 Subaru Forester
Question:
I am looking for a car-top bike rack that does not require the front wheel to be removed. I would like to carry two bikes and fit on a 2018 Subaru Forester with the standard roof rails on the top of the vehicle. Originally I was considering a hitch mounted rack but I was told that I can get ticketed in Texas for obstructing the rear license plate and tail lights. So I dont want to use a rear Rack unless it will not block the license plate and tail lights with two bikes mounted. If you can give me a recommendation and pricing I would appreciate it. Thanks,
asked by: Mark B
Expert Reply:
Sounds like you want a roof-mounted bike rack for your 2018 Subaru Forester. A good one is the Yakima HighRoad Roof Bike Rack # Y02114. This is a wheel mounted bike rack that clamps onto your front wheel to secure it. It has a strap that goes around your bars which will work well with the factory bars on your Forester. I attached my own video review of this roof rack if you want to see how it works.
If your Forester has just the raised rails and no factory bars, then you will need a roof rack system. Thule has a roof rack that mounts onto your rails with part numbers: # TH711220 and # TH710401. This has 47" bars and is a fit for your vehicle. I also have a video installing this exact kit on a 2020 Subaru Forester that I attached below.
While installing the crossbars or the bike rack, a helpful tool is the Rightline Gear Moki Door Step # RL100660. It's a little step that will help you get some extra height and balance on your roof. As for prices, check the product pages for each product to get the latest price: # Y02114, # TH710401, # TH711220.
Products Referenced in This Question
Rightline Gear Moki Door Step - 400 lbs
- Accessories and Parts
- Car Roof Bag
- Roof Basket
- Roof Box
- Roof Bike Racks
- Roof Rack
- Watersport Carriers
- Door Steps
- Rightline Gear
more information >
Evo Raised Rail Feet for Thule Crossbars - Factory Raised Rails - Qty 4
- Roof Rack
- Feet
- 4 Pack
- Thule
more information >
Thule WingBar Evo Crossbars - Aluminum - Black - 47" Long - Qty 2
- Roof Rack
- Crossbars
- Aero Bars
- 47 Inch Bar Space
- 2 Bars
- Overhang
- Black
- Thule
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Yakima HighRoad Roof Bike Rack - Wheel Mount - Clamp On
- Roof Bike Racks
- Wheel Mount
- 15mm Fork
- 15mm Thru-Axle
- 20mm Thru-Axle
- 5mm Fork
- 9mm Fork
- 9mm Thru-Axle
- Locks Not Included
- Aero Bars
- Factory Bars
- Round Bars
- Square Bars
- Disc Brake Compatible
- Clamp On - Standard
- Black
- Yakima
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
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