Recommended Roof Rack For 2018 Subaru Forester w/ Raised Rails For Rooftop Tent

Question:

Hello, I am looking to buy a roof top tent and the two I narrowed down to is made by Naturnest 187lbs, item weight in description na and their other model item weight in description 172lbs. I am interested in buying a roof rack with security keys and would like some advice on which roof rack to invest in. I have a 2018 Forester XT with the factory raised side rails and plan to remove the factory cross bars as I understand those will not be sufficient. I was also hoping to also utilize an awning but due to the weight compliance, I understand that may not be possible. Help would be nice on that inquiry as well if doable. Thank you.

asked by: Brandon C

Expert Reply:

Sure thing, we can get your 2018 Subaru Forester with raised rails set up with a roof rack for a rooftop tent, and you're 100% correct the factory bars on your Forester are not sufficient. So you're smart to replace those, and for that I highly recommend the Thule Evo rack. It is the highest capacity rack at 220 lbs, while other racks are capped at 165 lbs. It is also lockable like you wanted by adding lock cores, and here is exactly what you'll need:

- Thule WingBar Evo Crossbars - Silver # TH711300 or Black # TH711320

- Evo Raised Rail Feet # TH710401

- Thule One-Key System Lock Cylinders # TH450400

As for an awning, you may be able to regarding weight, but assuming it is a roof rack mount awning there won't be enough room on the rack to mount one alongside the tent per the specs I saw of the ones you mentioned.