Adapting Thule Sidearm Roof-Mount Bike Carrier, # TH594, to Crossbars on 2013 Subaru Outback
Updated 05/01/2013 | Published 04/26/2013
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Question:
I love the Thule SideArm rack, and have widely recommended it. BUT the Thule-supplied Plate square for wheel tray which slides in the track on the bottom of the wheel tray to accommodate different crossbar-to-crossbar distances, Thule Part #853-0333, Part S on their instructions, will only accommodate crossrails to 1 1/4inch wide. My 2013 Outback crossrails are 2 1/4inch wide. I dont want to drill mine. Yes, the Sidearm end of the mount will accommodate a HUGE variation of crossbar width, but not the other end. Umm, Thule, uncharacteristic brain freeze? Does Thule or any aftermarket vendor make a longer plate which will accommodate wider crossbars?
asked by: Carl H
Expert Reply:
I spoke to my contact at Thule about the fit issue you are experiencing with your Sidearm rooftop bike carrier not working with the rear crossbar width on your 2013 Subaru Outback. If you own the now-discontinued version of this rack, part # TH594, rather than the current TH594XT, there will be a fit issue with your crossbars. Current production of this bike carrier can accommodate wider crossbars than the original version.
My contact provided me with the replacement parts you will need to adapt your Sidearm for use on your Subaru Outback. These parts are supplied with the current version, # TH594XT. You will need two knobs, part # 753-0783; one plastic spacer mount, part # 853-7441; one rubber leveling gasket, part # 853-7442; and two 6 x 80 carriage bolts, part # 915-068-054. These parts are shown on the attached Thule diagram as parts DD, EE, FF and GG. I included the part numbers for each on the diagram.
