Recommended Roof Rack and Kayak Carrier for a 2022 Subaru Outback w/ Raised Rails
Updated 08/03/2024 | Published 07/26/2024
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Question:
I have a 2022 Subaru Outback not the Wilderness. I have two kayaks, one is 56 lbs, and the other is 86 lbs. I don’t think that there’s a roof rack configuration that could accommodate both at the same time due to weight - can you confirm? Assuming that’s the case, I wanted to be able to use a lift assist system for the 56 lb kayak, maybe Yakima Showdown, and alternatively be able to accommodate the heavier kayak by itself since it’s too heavy for Showdown on the other side. Can you recommend crossbars and attachments I would also want to be able to lock all components. Thank you.
asked by: Lawrence S
Expert Reply:
Hey Lawrence did some quick math and I think you'll be good. You will want to verify with your Subaru's owner's manual but the Yakima SkyLine Roof Rack for Fixed Mounting Points item # Y39TB has a 165 lbs capacity. When you add up the weights of your kayaks and the Yakima ShowDown item # Y04081 you come in right below this. We'll want to get a lighter carrier like the item # Y04083-2 for the other side.
The Yakima SkyLine Roof Rack for Fixed Mounting Points item # Y39TB will attach directly to the raised rails on the roof of your 2022 Subaru Outback.
You will be able to secure all of these components using the Yakima Same Key System (SKS) Lock Cores (QTY 8) item # Y07208. This will give you 8 lock cores that can be opened by the 3 keyed alike keys that come with this set.
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Yakima ShowDown Kayak or SUP Roof Rack and Lift Assist w/ Tie-Downs - Saddle Style - Clamp On
- Watersport Carriers
- Kayak
- Paddle Board
- Roof Mount Carrier
- Saddle-Style
- Folding
- Aero Bars
- Round Bars
- Square Bars
- Side Loading
- Clamp-On
- Load Assist
- Yakima
more information >
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Lawrence S.
8/3/2024
Thanks Jared. I have a couple of follow-up questions: 1) I'm concerned that the 50" span might not afford sufficient overhang to prevent contact with side of vehicle when Showdown is lowered to side of car. Can you definitely confirm that this would be sufficient for a 2022 Outback (not the Wilderness version)? If it's not, then would 53" do the trick, and if so, what would you recommend? 2) Would there be enough room with either the cross bars you recommended, assuming there is sufficient overhang for the Showdown, or wider bars if warranted, to accommodate the Malone Sea Wing plus Stinger to be positioned next to the Showdown? Please note that the 2022 Subaru Outback Owners Manual shows 150 lbs as the maximum all-in weight for rack plus load. My Kayaks are 56 lbs, and the fishing kayak is 86 lbs, so my thought would be to either have the 56 lbs in the Showdown or the 86 lb kayak on the Sea-wing with stinger (but not at the same time). Would also be good to know how much weight could be on the Sea Wing plus Stinger simultaneously with the 56 lbs kayak in the Showdown. So looking for confirmation as to what can fit from cross bar width and weight capacity. Thanks for your help.