Adding a Roof Cargo Basket to a 2011 Subaru Forester with Factory Side Rails Only

Published 07/27/2016

Products Featured in This Question

Curt Roof Mounted Cargo Basket - 41-1/2" Long x 37" Wide x 4" Deep - 150 lbs

(382)

$221.71

Surco Safari Rack 5.0 Rooftop Cargo Basket for Factory Rails - 50" Long x 45" Wide

(47)

$533.87

Question:

Id like to put a small basket on a 2011 subaru forester with side rails only. Do i HAVE to buy towers and cross bars first? or is there a basket that will fit attaching to the side rails only? I will not be carrying much that is heavy, just extra cargo not fitting in trunk / back seat with kid / dog etc.

asked by: Austin

Expert Reply:

You have a couple of options for adding a basket to the roof of your 2011 Subaru Forester with factory side rails only. First you could use a Safari rack, # SPS4550-1101, which does not require first installing crossbars since it comes with its own. It comes with feet to clamp onto the side rails.

The other option is to go ahead and add crossbars. You can do this without much expense by using the Curt roof rack # C18118. Then you can add a cargo basket such as # C18115. This method and products will actually cost less than the Safari basket.

expert reply by: Michael H