Mounting Options For Landscaping Equipment On A 2017 Subaru Outback Roof Rack

Updated 12/07/2024 | Published 12/06/2024

Products Featured in This Question

Pack'Em Trimmer Rack for Utility Trailers - Qty 1

(338)

$77.73

Front Runner Slimline II Platform Rack - Fixed Mount - 45-1/2" Long x 45-7/8" Wide

(1)

$889.00

Question:

I have an unusual situation. I do invasive plant removal. My work truck is a 2017 Subaru Outback with stock roof cross bars. I have a large roof box that holds a rake, a broom, a harness, shovels, etc. I have a 4x8 trailer for my mower and mower trailer that I use occasionally. I bought the professional battery trimmer with handlebar handles and brush blade... the handles make it really unwieldy while storing. Its a pain to have in my car. I dont want to put it on my trailer. I would like to put it on the roof rack next to the box. I will have just enough space. I think that if I have a regular trimmer rack that I can use a U bolt to attach the trimmer rack to my subaru cross bars. Can suggest an adaptor to use in addition to or instead of a U bolt? Can you suggest the correct U bolt for PK-6S? Or other ideas for the storage of the Stihl? Thank you for your thoughts!

asked by: Heather E

Expert Reply:

Hi Heather,

There really isn't a good option for mounting the Pack'Em Trimmer Rack # PK-6S or others like it to the crossbars since it has a flat base and most crossbars are rounded/elliptically shaped. There honestly isn't a great option for mounting landscaping equipment to roof rack crossbars so your best solution would be a platform rack that you could use some square nuts to mount the channels of the platform. A platform rack would also allow you to mount other cargo boxes/bags and accessory mounts to haul all of your gear. There are chainsaw mounts on the market that you could use with this rack, we just unfortunately don't offer any at this time.

For a 2017 Subaru Outback we have the Front Runner Slimline II Platform Rack # FR57VV listed as a confirmed fit. I've attached a video Aiden made for these platform racks that will give you a better idea of how this would work. You should also refer back to your Outback's owner's manual to verify the Outback's roof capacity so that you aren't overloading it with your gear.

expert reply by: Kevin C

Heather

12/6/2024

Thanks for helping me think through this. My roof racks can handle ~170 lbs. I probably have about 50 on it right now, so weight isn't an issue. The roof rack that you mention is about $900 which is crazy, and would make my already high box way to high. I might buy a pair of trimmer racks and try to pad the curve of my roof racks with plastic shims. Unless there is already a product that does this..

Kevin C.

12/7/2024

@Heather Subaru's aren't really the typical vehicle for hauling landscaping equipment so there isn't much compatible when it comes to this type of storage. That pretty much just leaves accessories like the platform rack I recommended, which can get pricey. There isn't an adapter to my knowledge to do what you're wanting so the only other option I can really recommend would be to put it on the trailer and have to haul the trailer around.

Heather

12/7/2024

@KevinC Thanks again. I ended up getting a bigger roof box. That way my fancy brush cutter is out of the weather and curious eyes.