Recommended Roof Rack Setup For 2015 Subaru Outback Wagon
Question:
I have a 2015 Outback, rocketbox 14, and two front end loaders by Yakima. They all don’t fit on top of the Subaru with the factory installed rack. I want to upgrade to the aero bars but don’t know the right length. Can you suggest the correct length.
asked by: Mr. S
Expert Reply:
I did some reseach and the Yakima RocketBox Pro 14 Rooftop Cargo Box - 14 cu ft - Black # Y07192 measures about 33" wide and the Yakima FrontLoader Wheel Mount Bike Carrier - Roof Mount # Y02103 measures about 9-1/4" wide. With the cargo box and both bike carriers you will need a minimum of 51-1/2" crossbar length, but likely more since you do not want them all crammed together if at all possible.
It sounds like you have the factory raised roof rails. If so, then the longest crossbar for your vehicle is the Malone AirFlow2 Roof Rack - Aero Crossbars 58" Long # MPG216. While this crossbar setup is longer than our measurement of 51-1/2", it still may not accommodate your 3 accessories due to the crossbar feet getting in the way of your accessory clamps. If you have flush-mounted rails and not the factory raised rails, then your longest crossbar option is the Thule Standard Square Cross Bars - 47" Long # TH712200 with Feet # TH460R and Fit Kit # THKIT4063. This setup is only 47" long and is definitely not long enough to fit your 3 accessories.
I highly recommend going a different route and using a rear hitch-mounted bike rack and just use the roof rack for the cargo box and maybe one other accessory. If you do not have a trailer hitch receiver, use Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2" # C13410. For a 2 bike carrier I really like the Hollywood Racks Destination Bike Rack for 2 Bikes - 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches # HLY94FR. This is very affordable compared to other bike racks and can fit 2 bikes with tires up to 3" wide. I have attached installation videos for all of these products.
Products Referenced in This Question
Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"
- Trailer Hitch
- Custom Fit Hitch
- Class III
- 600 lbs TW
- 4000 lbs GTW
- 2 Inch Hitch
- Concealed Cross Tube
- CURT
more information >
Hollywood Racks Destination Bike Rack for 2 Bikes - 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches - Frame Mount
- Hitch Bike Racks
- Platform Rack
- Folding Rack
- Frame Mount
- Hitch Lock
- 2 Bikes
- Class 1
- Class 2
- Class 3
- Fits 1-1/4 Inch Hitch
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- Fits 1-1/4 and 2 Inch Hitch
- Hollywood Racks
more information >
Malone AirFlow2 Roof Rack - Aero Crossbars - Raised Side Rails - Aluminum - 58" Long - Silver
- Roof Rack
- Complete Roof Systems
- Aero Bars
- 58 Inch Bar Space
- 2 Bars
- Overhang
- Silver
- Malone
more information >
Rapid Podium Feet for Thule Crossbars - Fixed Point - Qty 4
- Roof Rack
- Feet
- 4 Pack
- Thule
more information >
Thule SquareBar Evo Crossbars - Steel - 47" Long - Qty 2
- Roof Rack
- Crossbars
- Square Bars
- 47 Inch Bar Space
- 2 Bars
- Overhang
- Black
- Thule
more information >
Yakima FrontLoader Wheel Mount Bike Carrier - Roof Mount
- Roof Bike Racks
- Wheel Mount
- 15mm Fork
- 15mm Thru-Axle
- 20mm Thru-Axle
- 5mm Fork
- 9mm Fork
- 9mm Thru-Axle
- Bike Lock
- Aero Bars
- Factory Bars
- Round Bars
- Square Bars
- Disc Brake Compatible
- Clamp On - Quick
- Black
- Yakima
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Yakima RocketBox Pro 14 Rooftop Cargo Box - 14 cu ft - Black
- Roof Box
- Aero Bars
- Factory Bars
- Round Bars
- Square Bars
- Long Length
- Medium Profile
- Large Capacity
- Dual Side Access
- Black
- Yakima
more information >
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Instructions
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on Roof Box
