Does a Roof Rack Accessory Have to be the Same Brand as the Crossbars

Updated 04/03/2017 | Published 04/01/2017

Question:

Are roof rack accessories interchangeable between brands. If I purchase one manufacturers crossbars will I be limited to only using accessories from that manufacturer?

asked by: Carey S

Expert Reply:

Roof rack accessories are interchangeable between crossbar brands. When choosing an accessory like ski carriers or cargo boxes, you will just want to make sure they are compatible with both the crossbar spread and their dimensions.

For example, the Rhino Rack Roof Rack consisting of parts # RRVA126B-2 and # RRSX100, which is confirmed to fit your 2017 Subaru Forester if it has factory side rails, has crossbars that are 3-1/8 inch wide and 1-3/16 inch tall. These are great aero-style bars with a weight capacity of 165 pounds.

Then when looking at a roof cargo box like the Thule Force XT # TH6359B, you will just want to make sure it will fit with your crossbar dimensions. This particular cargo box is compatible with aero crossbars that have a maximum width of 3-1/2 inches and a maximum height of 1-11/16 inches. It will work with a crossbar spread between 23-5/8 inches and 37-1/2 inches. The crossbar spread simply refers to the measurement between the two crossbars on the roof of your Forester. These dimensions will be listed on the roof rack accessory product page.

I have attached a link to our available selection of roof cargo boxes for you to check out.

expert reply by: Chris R