Are Malone AirFlow2 65 Crossbars Compatible with a 2020 Subaru Forester?

Updated 08/24/2020 | Published 08/20/2020

Products Featured in This Question

Malone AirFlow2 Roof Rack - Aero Crossbars - Raised Side Rails - Aluminum - 65" Long - Silver

(1702)

$250.24

Inno Locker Watersport Roof Rack w/ Crossbar Pads - Locking - Clamp On

(22)

$296.99

Question:

I have a 2020 Forester with raised side rails. I frequently need to put two canoes on my car side by side. My old car was compatible with a rack with 65 inch crossbars that worked well for this. The smaller Malone AirFlo racks will fit the Forester but Im concerned that 58 inches will not be a big enough crossbar to fit my 2 canoes. This AirFlo has the longer crossbars but says it is not confirmed to fit my Forester. I realize these bars will stick out beyond the edges of the roof of my Forester, but I am used to that from using the old rack and I dont think it will be a problem it is mainly a question of whether the towers can slide close enough to each other on the bottom of the crossrails to mate with the Forester side rails. If it helps, the Forester side rails are 38 inches from inboard side to inboard side and about an inch and a half wide.

asked by: Cat F

Expert Reply:

The Malone AriFlow2 Roof Rack # MPG217 will fit your 2020 Subaru Forester raised rails just fine. The reason why Malone doesn't recommend the larger size crossbars is because they will be pushing the limits of the width of your vehicle. When the rails stick out farther than your roof it is okay as long as they are not sticking out farther than your mirrors, but since the AirFlow2 rails don't wrap all the way around your raised side rails, the clamp could come off if too much weight is applied outside of the raised side rails.

Then you have options for the Canoe Carrier. I like the Inno Locker # INA446 because it is super simple and comes with all the straps needed installed. These carriers are about 20 inches wide so you will have plenty of room up on your roof for two carriers and your two canoes. If you have the need to carry 4 SUP boards, you can do that too!

I've included some videos for you to get a closer look!

expert reply by: Adam E