How Far Above Crossbars is Yakima ShowDown on 2020 Subaru Outback

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Question:

After reviewing everything I can see the Hullavator Pro will not work for me. Mainly, it will not clear my garage at 20” high. It looks like I may have only two options left: 1 The Yakima ShowDown Kayak or SUP Carrier and Lift Assist w/ Tie-Downs - Side Loading - Clamp On Y04081 or 2 The Malone DownLoader Kayak Carrier and TelosXL Load Assist w/ Tie-Downs - J-Style - Side Loading - MPG114MD-351XL Before I have you do too much research can you please find out exactly how high the Yakima system will sit above the cross rails of my Subaru Outback. If this system can’t clear my garage opening then I guess I will have to go with the Malone system. I noticed the Yakima Showdown system folds flat unlike the Thule Hullavator’s J racks sit upright. Can you please let me know exactly how high the entire Yakima system will sit above the cross rails of my Outback Touring XT when it is folded flat? I would like to know what all I would need to install everything. Also, will the TelosXL Load Assist easily clear the sides of my Outback Touring XT when using their folding kayak carrier? Sounds like it is designed for any vehicle. I’m not sure how close to the edge of my cross rails I will be able to mount the Downloader folding Kayak carriers. I was wondering if you could check to see if the Malone system would work just fine with my new car. Unless you have any other suggestions for me…I’m thinking I will have to choose one of the options I listed above. Thanks again for all your help.

asked by: Linda S

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Expert Reply:

I reached out to Yakima and they told me that the Yakima ShowDown Kayak or SUP Carrier and Lift Assist with Tie-Downs # Y04081 will be just 9 inches above the roof rack on your 2020 Subaru Outback Touring. If you take a look at the accompanying photo you can see that demonstrated. You will not need anything else to install the ShowDown on your Outback, though you can use Lock Cores # Y07202 to lock it.

The Malone DownLoader Kayak Carrier and TelosXL Load Assist with Tie-Downs # MPG114MD-351XL will also work, but the ShowDown is going to be a better option because it will be easier to get your kayak on your roof with it than with the Malone system.

I have added a link to a video review for you to check out as well of the Yakima ShowDown Kayak or SUP Carrier # Y04081.

expert reply by: Kyle S

0

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Answer 1

Hey Laura! To add the Thule Hullavator Pro Kayak Roof Rack #TH898 to your 2025 Subaru Crosstrek I recommend the Yakima JetStream roof rack. There are two different options depending on your roof. If you have the factory raised rails you need the…

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Answer 2

Hello Stewart; yes, it can. For the Hullavator, Thule states your crossbar must extend out past the towers by 4"-8". As long as your crossbars meet this spec, the support bars can be placed as far outboard as they can go. The picture below…

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Answer 3

The primary difference between the two Rhino-Rack Nautic rear-loading kayak carriers #RR581 and #RR571 is the type of roof crossbar they will install on. The #RR581 works with crossbars that have an internal channel (please see the photo I linked for…

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Answer 4

Yes, they will. The 53" Thule WingBar Evo Crossbars item #TH711420 will just be 1-1/2" longer on both sides then the recommend 50" item #TH711320. You will need the Evo Raised Rail Feet for Thule Crossbars item #TH710401 to attach the…

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Answer 5

Hello! Thanks for the question and a kayak load assist is definitely a good idea, with a side loader being the best option. A roller from the rear is helpful, but you still have to do the heavy lifting, so the side assist is going to give you the…

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Answer 6

Hey John, we'd be glad to help you pick out the best lift assisted kayak carrier for your 2026 Subaru Outback Wagon! I think the Thule Hullavator part #TH898 would be your best option as it is a little easier to use and load so that's what I…

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Answer 7

Hi Leon, Factory roof racks typically have a low weight capacity and won't have enough overhang for a kayak carrier with lift assist to be compatible so I definitely recommend checking the capacity and overhang to see if you can use it. The Thule…

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Answer 8

First of all, thanks for the picture of your cute doggy! Yes, you can use a Thule Hullavator Pro item #TH898 or Yakima ShowDown item #Y04081. I can't tell from your picture but there were versions of the A.R.E. camper shells that had tracks on…

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Answer 9

Hi Robert! Sweet kayaks! Using two of the Thule Hullavators #TH898 on the roof of your 2026 Subaru Outback Wilderness is looking like it may be a no-go. With them being 36" wide, you would need to have at least 68" of useable crossbar…

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Answer 10

There is not a general restriction from Thule that says two Hullavator Kayak Carriers #TH898 can't be used on a Thule roof rack. As long as the crossbars on your Ford Escape have the required length for two sets and a sufficient weight capacity…

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Answer 11

There is one kayak carrier that stands above the rest that will fit the Yakima OverHaul HD - 68" Crossbars #Y01151-58 or 78" Crossbars #Y01151-59, which is the Yakima ShowDown #Y04081. I highly recommend the ShowDown to carry your kayaks…

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Answer 12

Hey there Monica; unfortunately not - your 2024 Subaru Forester will only be able to fit one Yakima ShowDown Kayak Carrier #Y04081. It's just too wide to fit a pair of them. You can still use the ShowDown but for two kayaks you'd need a…

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How Far Above Crossbars is Yakima ShowDown on 2020 Subaru Outback

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