I don’t understand why Subaru has persisted with this style of rack, especially since their Forrester and SUV models have what look like reasonable factory racks that will accept aftermarket rack systems. I don’t know what the distance between the side rails of the factory rack is, and so don’t know if there is a problem there, but the side rails do curve upwards going front to back, so there well may be that additional problem. And initially there was no way a Yakima rack could be adapted to the factory rack in a way that improved things. The factory rack has cross bars that are, I believe, only 32” apart – really inadequate except for low speed hauling, even with front and rear tie-downs. However, things changed for the worse in 2010. The gunwales of the canoe will not simply hang over the rack side rails, because the side rails have enough upward curve to hit the gunwales and not allow a canoe to sit flat on the cross-bars. The ’09 factory rack cross bars seem strong enough to carry a canoe, but the side rails are only 33” inches apart – not far enough apart to carry most canoes. Returning to Maine from Assembly 2013 with unexpectedly wide load (new canoe) - 2x4's taped to Yakima rack that was not wide enough
Neal rowing canoe home - rear tie-down isn't visible I would certainly tie down front and rear of anything longer than 16’.īringing D.B. With wide bars, I have often carried a canoe and a clam-shell carrier together with no problems. I also use the gunwale clips on the cross-bars – a great aid in stabilizing the canoes at higher speeds. I tie the front down using the tow-hooks under the front of the car. On the ’09, I can mount Yakima bars about 39” apart, which is sufficient for carrying a 15’ or 16’ canoe at low speeds (40-45 mph, and sufficient at higher speeds with front and rear tie-downs. I currently drive an ’09 – the last year, I believe, that they came with a reasonable roof rack that could be made useable with Yakima or other aftermarket racks and equipment. I’m a big fan of Subaru Outbacks, going back to a ’81 model that I bought used in ’85. As near as I can see, the factory racks of most manufacturers are just about useless, and Subaru is no different – and now seems even worse than most.