Recommended Roof Rack Setup For 2015 Subaru Outback Wagon

Updated 03/03/2021 | Published 02/27/2021

Products Featured in This Question

Yakima RocketBox Pro 14 Rooftop Cargo Box - 14 cu ft - Black

(72)

$659.95

Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"

(565)

$209.80

Hollywood Racks Destination Bike Rack for 2 Bikes - 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches - Frame Mount

(892)

$199.99

Malone AirFlow2 Roof Rack - Aero Crossbars - Raised Side Rails - Aluminum - 58" Long - Silver

(1717)

$233.90

Thule SquareBar Evo Crossbars - Steel - 47" Long - Qty 2

(271)

$179.95

Yakima FrontLoader Wheel Mount Bike Carrier - Roof Mount

(112)

$274.95

Question:

I have a 2015 Outback, rocketbox 14, and two front end loaders by Yakima. They all don’t fit on top of the Subaru with the factory installed rack. I want to upgrade to the aero bars but don’t know the right length. Can you suggest the correct length.

asked by: Mr. S

Expert Reply:

I did some reseach and the Yakima RocketBox Pro 14 Rooftop Cargo Box - 14 cu ft - Black # Y07192 measures about 33" wide and the Yakima FrontLoader Wheel Mount Bike Carrier - Roof Mount # Y02103 measures about 9-1/4" wide. With the cargo box and both bike carriers you will need a minimum of 51-1/2" crossbar length, but likely more since you do not want them all crammed together if at all possible.

It sounds like you have the factory raised roof rails. If so, then the longest crossbar for your vehicle is the Malone AirFlow2 Roof Rack - Aero Crossbars 58" Long # MPG216. While this crossbar setup is longer than our measurement of 51-1/2", it still may not accommodate your 3 accessories due to the crossbar feet getting in the way of your accessory clamps. If you have flush-mounted rails and not the factory raised rails, then your longest crossbar option is the Thule Standard Square Cross Bars - 47" Long # TH712200 with Feet # TH460R and Fit Kit # THKIT4063. This setup is only 47" long and is definitely not long enough to fit your 3 accessories.

I highly recommend going a different route and using a rear hitch-mounted bike rack and just use the roof rack for the cargo box and maybe one other accessory. If you do not have a trailer hitch receiver, use Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2" # C13410. For a 2 bike carrier I really like the Hollywood Racks Destination Bike Rack for 2 Bikes - 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches # HLY94FR. This is very affordable compared to other bike racks and can fit 2 bikes with tires up to 3" wide. I have attached installation videos for all of these products.