Recommended Yakima Roof Rack Upgrade for Subaru Factory Roof Rack

Question:

I have a 2016 Subaru Outback Wagon and trying to up grade my roof racks. I seen that I need the Landing Pads 15 # Y00241 and the 48 Inch Round CrossBars # Y00408, but I dont know what Yakima control towers I would need. Could you let me know? Also can you tell me what the dynamic and static weight the crossbars can handle? Thanks!

asked by: Sam

Expert Reply:

The factory roof rack on the 2016 Subaru Outback Wagon has minimal options to fit the factory roof rack which is different than the factory side rails or flush mounted rails. You can use the Landing Pad 15 for Yakima Control Towers - Qty 4 # Y00241 which will allow you to simply remove your factory crossbars and mount these pads in their place. Then you can use the SkyLine Towers for Yakima Crossbars # Y53TR and round bar adapter # Y03536 if you want to use round bars like the 48 inch # Y00408.

If you want to use aero style bars instead, then you will not use the adapter for round bars and simply use the 50 inch JetStream bars # Y00425 instead. Finally you can use the lock cores # Y07204 to secure your rack.

The weight capacity of this system is 165 lbs.

expert reply by: Jason S

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Scott

5/25/2020

I just fit these on my 2017 Subaru Outback and everything worked great. My question is, Subaru has another mounting point for their rear cross bar that is maybe 8-9” behind where the rear landing pad 15 mounts. It would be awesome if they made a landing pad to go in that slot. Do they offer or will they ever offer that option? Seems like a no brainer. Would love to have a wider separation between the front and rear racks.

Chris R.

5/28/2020

There doesn't look to be a separate Landing Pad available that's designed to fit the factory slot you mentioned that's further back on the rails. What is your current crossbar spread? Based on my research it should be around 30", which is pretty ideal for just about any roof-mounted accessory.

Scott

5/29/2020

@ChrisR thanks for the reply. Yes the span is a little over 30”. If you could use the rear mounting spots it would be 40”. Wider is better for canoes, kayaks and paddleboards. My Forerunner had a span of 50” which l thought was perfect for me. I know if Yakima had the option, alot of people would prefer the wider option. ??