Which Roof Rack Should I Use To Install RoofNest Sparrow XL Tent On 2014 Subaru Forester?

Updated 05/12/2021 | Published 05/11/2021

Products Featured in This Question

Thule WingBar Evo Crossbars - Aluminum - Silver - 60" Long - Qty 2

(1270)

$279.95

Malone AirFlow2 Roof Rack - Aero Crossbars - Raised Side Rails - Aluminum - 58" Long - Silver

(1638)

$233.95

Fit Kit for Thule Podium-Style Roof Rack Feet - 3079

(617)

$149.95

Question:

I am considering the Sparrow XL car tent because it has more room then a standard Sparrow model. The XL is 60 inches wide which means it will overhang the roof by ~5inches on each side. Is this acceptable? Safe? If so would I need longer crossbars? Thanks for your help!

asked by: Michael C

Expert Reply:

I talked to Roofnest's customer service team regarding this situation. They were very helpful and said that you can certainly install the Sparrow XL onto your 2014 Subaru Forester as long as the roof rack and vehicle's roof has a weight capacity of 165lbs or higher. The overhang of 5" won't be an issue according to Roofnest but they did say that they recommend at least 58" long crossbars to be on the safe side, but it is not required.

If you want to go with longer crossbars then you can use Malone AirFlow2 Roof Rack 58" # MPG216 for raised roof rails; this has a weight capacity of 165lbs. If you have a naked roof without rails then I recommend going with Thule WingBar Evo Crossbars 60" # TH711500 along with the necessary Feet # TH460R and Fit Kit # THKIT3079; this also has a weight capacity of 165lbs. I attached demonstration videos for you to check out.

expert reply by: Andrew N