How Does Curt Roof Rack # C18118 Fit Raised Side Rails of 2020 Subaru Outback

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Question:

Hi, Ive noticed several answers to customer questions mentioning the Curt Roof Rack C18118 and Malone AirFlow 2 MPG216 as working with the 2020+ Subaru Outback with the factory roof rack system. This system includes integrated cross bars which store in-line with the roof rails,foot but swing out and across when needed. I cant see how either of those systems would work with the standard Outbacks factory system - it does NOT have normal roof rails which these style of cross bars can clamp onto. Only the 2022 Wilderness has normal rails all other 2020-2022 models include the strange setup with the folding cross bars. Thule and Yakima make custom risers which fit into those strange factory mounting points and are unique for that specific Outback generation, but I cant fathom how cross bars which clamp on a normal roof rail would work on these wagons. I was going to attach a picture, but this article best describes and shows the goofy setup they use. Again, other than the new 2022 Wilderness, there were no other factory normal roof rails on 2020+ Outbacks, unlike the old ones present on some trim levels: Would you happen to have pictures or videos of either the Curt or Malone cross bars installed on one of these 2020-22 Outbacks?

asked by: Brian E

0

Expert Reply:

I attached a picture that shows how the Curt roof rack part # C18118 installs on the raised side rails of your 2021 Subaru Outback Wagon. In the picture you can see that the rack attaches to the portion of the rack that swings out which doesn't leave a wide spread for the crossbars but it does fit.

We don't have a similar setup for the Malone but it would be the same way.

expert reply by: Jameson C

0

Curt Rack Installed on Subaru Raised Rails
(click to enlarge)

Answer 1

Since your 2020 Subaru Forester already has the raised side rails you can get a Thule rack with just a few parts, the feet (that attach to the rails) and the crossbars. The best Thule rack for your 2020 Forester is going to be the new Evo Raised Rail…

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Answer 2

The Curt Hitch Receiver you referenced is inactive and no longer available for purchase but when it was the main difference in the two hitch receivers is the concealment and ground clearance that the Curt Hitch item CU89FR has over the Draw-Tite…

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Answer 3

Yes, it does. I checked with Malone and the Malone AirFlow2 Roof Rack item #MAL74AR does attach to the side rails of your 2023 Subaru Outback Wilderness and is compatible with your car. If you would like longer crossbars we also have the 58"…

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Answer 4

Hey Bob, Roof rack systems are typically only rated up to 165lbs because that's typically above the capacity of the vehicle's roof. More recently all manufacturers are switching to removing the capacity from the listing and telling consumers…

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Answer 5

The Malone Universal Crossbar System #MPG201 is a more economical choice but it still does a good job. The design and quality of Thule's system is why they have such a large difference in price. Whether you go with the Thule Crossroads system…

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Answer 6

Hey Ed, thanks for reaching out! The Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver #C77ZV is rated a 10 out of 10 for difficulty and will take the average (experienced) mechanic about 1 hour and 40 minutes to install on your 2023 Toyota Crown. Since you haven't…

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Answer 7

The Curt #C13382 and etrailer #e98912 hitches for your 2022 Subaru Crosstrek have the same construction, capacities, and design, but the big difference is that the Curt hitch has the classic glossy finish while the etrailer hitch has a matte black…

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Answer 8

Aside from a slight change in the appearance of the crossbar (the WingBar Evo has some boxed edges as opposed to the completely smooth front of the AeroBlade) the biggest differences are the rubber strip on top of the crossbar and the weight…

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Answer 9

Yes, it will! The Thule Motion XT Rooftop Cargo Box item #TH629806 will have no issue mounting to square crossbars like the Malone item #MPG201. The only concern would be the rear hatch opening. You need to have the front crossbar 51-1/4" from…

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Answer 10

Yes, the Malone AirFlow2 Roof Rack part #MPG215 and the Malone AirFlow2 Roof Rack part #MPG216 will both fit the raised factory side rails on your 2017 Subaru Forester. The only difference between them is length as you alluded to, 50" long vs…

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Answer 11

There are a couple of differences between the two. The JetStream bars like #Y00425 are made of extruded aluminum while the CoreBars such as the #Y00421 you've looked at are constructed of galvanized steel. As you've mentioned, the CoreBar has…

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How Does Curt Roof Rack # C18118 Fit Raised Side Rails of 2020 Subaru Outback

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