How Do I Install My Yakima JetSteam Crossbars to Fit the Thule Motion XT XL on My 2018 Forester?

Question:

How far in front of top of raised hatch should I mount front and rear Yakima jetstream crossbars, to get maximum separation between crossbars and minimum distance from rear hatch

asked by: Ingo H

Expert Reply:

For mounting the Thule Motion XT XL # TH629706, in order to have the maximum possible separation between the rear Yakima JetStream Crossbar # Y00425, the first thing to do is mount the front crossbar in the furthest forward position on your 2018 Subaru Forester's raised rails. The second thing you need to do is measure 23-5/8 inches back from that crossbar. This is the location that you should place the rear crossbar because the Thule Motion XT XL requires 23-5/8 inches of crossbar spread. If you need the feet to complete the crossbar setup, you need the Timberline Towers # Y33TR.

While the Thule Motion XT XL will clamp around the Jetstream Crossbars, it is important to make sure that you have enough roof on your roof to accommodate the box and allow you to fully open your rear hatch. The way that you can do this is by measuring the center of that front crossbar to the line where the roof and hatch meet. If that measurement is at least 47-1/2 inches, you will be able to fully open the rear hatch.

expert reply by: Bob C