How to Carry Canoe & Cargo With 2011 Subaru Outback With Factory Roof Rack

Question:

We have a 2011 Subaru Outback and would like to be able to carry both our 17 ft canoe and our XL Thule Cargo box a total width of approx. 72 inch including space to open the box. We currently have factory rails that are not wide enough for this and only 24 inches apart. What would we need to accomplish this? Thanks!

asked by: Justin B

Expert Reply:

While you can haul cargo as well as your canoe with your 2011 Subaru Outback, there's no way to mount a canoe next to a cargo box as the configuration would just be too wide. Crossbars would stick out so much as to be dangerous to anyone walking near your Outback, and there wouldn't be enough support at the ends of the bars.

To carry your canoe as well as cargo, you would need a canoe carrier for your Outback's roof rack, and then a hitch with a hitch-mounted cargo carrier. So the best option for you would be the following parts:

- Malone BigFoot Pro Canoe Carrier with Tie-Downs # MPG112MD

- Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver # 13390

- Curt Cargo Carrier # C18113

This cargo carrier comes with a hitch pin, but you can add a lock to it and secure it to your Murano with the Anti-Rattle Trailer Hitch Receiver Lock for 2" Hitches # 63232.

I realize this isn't the exact solution you were looking for, but it really is the only option to carry both a canoe and added cargo with your 2011 Outback. I have added some links below to video reviews for you to check out as well if you'd like to take a look.