Can The Malone AirFlow2 Roof Rack Be Used To Carry A Rooftop Tent?

Updated 01/05/2026 | Published 09/23/2024

Question:

Hello, I have a 2016 Subaru Crosstrek and am looking to purchase the Malone Airflow 2 Universal Crossbars to use them for my Roof Top Tent. My tent weighs 130lbs and I’m also looking to use it for my girlfriend and I, who weigh about 280lbs together. Altogether, we would weigh about 410lbs with us plus the tent. Would the Malone crossbars be strong enough to hold all of that weight? I know the static weight and dynamic weight are different but I can’t find any answers. I tried my stock Subaru crossbars with the roof tent and they had a lot of bend to the them after just setting the tent on top. Same thing happened when I bought some universal crossbars from harbor freight and they had a slight bend but if I held onto the tent and put a bit of my weight on it hanging from it they started flexing a lot. I can’t find if the bars flexing is normal or if they should be fully stiff at all times which im guessing that they should. Overall, I wanted to know if the Malone crossbars are a good option in your opinion. Thank you!

asked by: Brandon L

Expert Reply:

Hello Brandon, thanks for reaching out. The Malone AirFlow2 Roof Rack # MPG215 will fit the factory raised rails on your 2016 Subaru Crosstrek, and it has a 165 lb dynamic weight capacity which is enough to carry the tent.

The static capacity of the roof rack is determined by the vehicles roof. The roof rack can support whatever the roof can hold. So, you will want to check your owners manual to find the actual capacity of the roof. As long as the roof capacity is more than 410 lbs you will be good.

The Malone roof rack is a good affordable option that will work well for carrying a tent. It is normal to see the crossbars bend slightly when under a heavy load, so you will probably see this happen with the Malone bars as well.

expert reply by: Jesse M

Jesse M.

1/5/2026

Hey Brandon, how did things go with the Malone AirFlow2 crossbars on your Crosstrek and the rooftop tent? Did the slight flex you noticed seem normal once everything was set up? Your experience could help others wondering about weight support and bar flex with similar setups.