Are Crossbars Required to Carry a Rooftop Carrier on a 2014 Subaru Forester

Updated 04/15/2014 | Published 04/13/2014

Products Featured in This Question

Fit Kit for Thule Podium-Style Roof Rack Feet - 3079

(620)

$149.95

Curt Roof Mounted Cargo Basket - 41-1/2" Long x 37" Wide x 4" Deep - 150 lbs

(380)

$208.72

Thule Canyon XT Roof Cargo Basket - Steel - 49" x 40" x 6" - 150 lbs

(107)

$499.95

Question:

Trying to purchase a rooftop carrier my 2014 Subaru Forester. Debating between the Thule and Curt and cant tell if I need crossbars also. Can you help please?

asked by: Brad

Expert Reply:

All rooftop cargo boxes and cargo baskets require crossbars that run side to side on the vehicle roof. There are some rooftop cargo bags that sit directly on the vehicle roof and do not require crossbars.

The 2014 Subaru Forester came with three different roof options. Your Forester could have a bare roof, factory raised side rails that run front to back or a factory roof rack with crossbars. If your Forester has a factory roof rack with crossbars, then you will not need additional crossbars for a rooftop cargo basket or box.

If your Forester came with a bare roof, then you will want to add a set of crossbars to carry a cargo basket or box. For a set of crossbars that provide a sleek OEM look, I recommend the Thule AeroBlade Edge Roof Rack, # TH7602-TH7602, and the Fit Kit, # THKIT3079.

If your Forester has the raised side rails, then I recommend the Thule AeroBlade Edge Roof Rack, # TH7502-TH7502. This roof rack attaches to the factory side rails to provide crossbars for roof mounted accessories.

You have several different roof rack option, so I attached a link to all of them for you to check out. Simply select your roof style and a list of compatible roof racks will appear. I have also attached installation videos for the Thule AeroBlade Edge roof racks on a Subaru Forester for you to check out.

I assume the Thule and Curt carriers that you are interested in are the Thule Canyon Roof Cargo Basket, # TH859XT, and the Curt Roof Cargo Basket, # C18115. The Curt cargo basket will not fit the Thule Aero Blade Edge crossbars, but the Thule basket will. Between these two baskets, I recommend the Thule cargo basket because it provides more cargo space and a more stylish design. I have attached a video review for you to check out.

I recommend reviewing your owner's manual to verify the roof weight capacity of your Forester before loading any cargo. The lowest rated component between the cargo basket, roof and crossbars should not be exceeded.