Roof Rack For Carrying A Rooftop Tent On A 2015 Subaru Outback Wagon
Updated 10/30/2025 | Published 10/02/2025
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Question:
I have a 2015 Subaru Outback and Im looking for roof rack solutions to support a rooftop tent, probably an SFR Aspen Light 100 lbs or SFR Aspen Lite XL 115 lbs. Whats confusing me is that my Outback does not have side raised rails running front to back. It has factory raised plastic running front to back with cross rails that swing out and snap in as needed. Attached are pictures of this. So, my question is, will the malone crossbars MAL84AR install on this Outback and are they strong enough to support the Aspen RTTs Im looking at? Thank you.
asked by: Tim B
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Expert Reply:
Hi Tim!
The Malone AirFlow2 Roof Rack - Aero Crossbars - Raised Side Rails - Aluminum - 58" Long - Black # MAL84AR will fit your 2015 Subaru Outback Wagon with the factory rail set up, but it isn't going to work for a roof top tent. These will attach to your factory crossbars when they are in the stowed position and will only allow for a very limited amount of spread. I do not think these are going to be the ones you want.
What you are going to want is one of the following roof racks:
Yakima SkyLine Roof Rack for Fixed Mounting Points - RoundBar Crossbars - Steel - Black - Qty 2 # Y78FB
Yakima SkyLine Roof Rack for Fixed Mounting Points - CoreBar Crossbars - Steel - Black - Qty 2 # Y96GB
Either of these will install in the place those factory crossbars (which will be removed prior to the install) and will give you much more spread. I couldn't find what kind of crossbar spread the Aspen roof tents need, so you will need to contact them to make sure you are good to carry it, but I think you will be good to go. I think I would go with the CoreBar as it has the aero style and will be quieter though.
Where are you planning your first trip?
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Product Page this Question was Asked From
Malone AirFlow2 Roof Rack - Aero Crossbars - Raised Side Rails - Aluminum - 58" Long - Black
- Roof Rack
- Aero Bars
- 58 Inch Bar Space
- 2 Bars
- Overhang
- Malone
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Lazer S.
10/30/2025
Hey Tim, how did things turn out with the Yakima SkyLine roof rack options for your Outback and rooftop tent setup? Did the CoreBar crossbars give you the spread and support you needed? Your update could make it easier for the next person planning a similar build.