Size Limit for Rooftop Cargo Carriers for 2013 Subaru Impreza Hatch Back Sport
Updated 01/15/2013 | Published 01/13/2013
Question:
In car manual lists a wt limit of 150# for cargo carrier and cargo on roof, but does not give any limits/recommendations as to length/width? Is there any recommended length? or any max length?
asked by: Mark
Expert Reply:
Vehicle manufacturers rate their vehicles for their capacity to support rooftop cargo carriers based primarily on the WEIGHT of the carrier and its contents more so than on the size of the carrier. It is generally a good idea to use a cargo carrier that has dimensions not too different from the dimensions of the vehicle roof; we do not recommend using a cargo basket or box that would extend out from either the sides or back of the vehicle roof, although in some instances it may be permissible for a cargo box to overhang the windshield slightly. The roof rack, roof carrier and its contents all together must remain within the car's rated capacity.
Rooftop cargo carriers are most often intended for mounting on a rooftop rack system, which consist of front-to-back side rails and side-to-side crossbars. The rack could be an OEM rack that came with the vehicle when new, or an aftermarket roof rack system. Aftermarket roof racks are available in many designs to suit specific applications, and they are offered in versions for vehicles with side rails already installed and for vehicles with no side rails (what is termed a naked roof). I checked an online version of your owners manual and it indicates overall vehicle width of 68.5 inches.
If your Impreza already has a complete roof rack, you can proceed to select a cargo carrier without any other components.
If your Impreza Hatchback has side rails, you can select a rack system from among those shown on the linked page, such as the 2012 Subaru Impreza Roof Rack by Thule, part # THLB50 and # TH450. This system uses 50-inch crossbars.
If your Impreza has a naked roof, you can consider the roof rack options on the linked page for naked roof vehicles, such as the economical SportRack Frontier Semi-Custom Roof Rack for Naked Roofs, part # SR1010. This system also uses 50-inch crossbars.
I have also included a link to our roof rack page where at the left hand side you can choose the length of crossbars and filter the products shown to include just those with the characteristics you prefer.
Cargo carriers come in various types: metal baskets, ABS plastic boxes and soft fabric bags. One example of the metal type is the all-steel Rola Roof Mounted Cargo Basket, part # 59504, which itself weighs 40 pounds. (Remember that the weight of the carrier takes up some of your vehicle 150-pound capacity.) If you prefer an enclosed carrier for better protection of your cargo, you might consider the Yakima RocketBox Pro 12 Rooftop Cargo Box, part # Y07191. This unit measures 58 inches x 36 inches x 16 inches. Another option is a soft cargo bag, such as the Rightline Sport 3 XL Rooftop Cargo Bag - Waterproof - 18 cu ft, part # RL100S30. This unit measures 48 inches x 40 inches x 19 inches, and offers the advantage of not requiring a roof rack system; it can mount to a naked roof by running its straps through the interior of the vehicle. Since this bag weighs only 10 pounds, it leaves more of your Impreza weight capacity for your cargo.
A useful accessory for any cargo carrier is a tire step, such as the Topline Wheel Mount Tire Step, part # TH2100, which provides easier roof access for loading and unloading. This product is lightweight and folds for storage.
