Recommended Roof Rack for a Roof Top Tent on a 2017 Subaru Forester w/ Raised Rails

Updated 10/06/2026 | Published 10/05/2026

Products Featured in This Question

Yakima TimberLine Roof Rack for Raised Rails - JetStream Crossbars - Aluminum - Black - Qty 2

(20)

$544.90

Malone AirFlow2 Roof Rack - Aero Crossbars - Raised Side Rails - Aluminum - 50" Long - Black

(1794)

$242.95

Question:

I have a 2017 Subaru Forester. My question is will these support the weight of a 110lb topoak roof tent? the Subaru can hold up to 150 lbs. My other question is, is the 165 weight capacity while moving or sitting too.

asked by: Jonatan

Expert Reply:

They sure will Jonatan. The Malone AirFlow2 Roof Rack item # MAL74AR has a 165 lbs dynamic capacity so it will definitely be capable enough to transport your 110 lbs roof tent.

The 165 lbs capacity refers to it's dynamic capacity which is when you're Subaru is moving. For a tent you need to be more concerned with what's called the static capacity, which is going to be the weight of the tent and you in it.

The Malone AirFlow2 Roof Rack item # MAL74AR has a static capacity of 350 lbs.

If you need a higher static capacity, I recommend the Yakima TimberLine Roof Rack item # Y39YD. These will attach to the raised roof rails on your 2017 Subaru Forester. They have a dynamic capacity of 165 lbs and a static capacity of 600 lbs. This kit comes with 50" long crossbars and the mounting legs that attach them to your roof rails.

How much total weight do you think you're going to have up in your tent when you're camping? Feel free to answer this and throw in any other questions you have, where it says Add Comment.

expert reply by: Jerred H

MAL74AR
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Y39YD
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MAL74AR
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Y39YD
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Jonatan

10/6/2026

Thank you for the clarification! I’m looking to have at least a 340 lb max weight on the crossbars and that’s with the 110lb tent and two smaller people inside

Jerred H.

10/6/2026

@Jonatan You're welcome! Happy I could clear that up for you. 340 lbs is pushing the maximum capacity of the Malone AirFlow2 Roof Rack item # MAL74AR. You should seriously consider getting getting the Yakima TimberLine Roof Rack item # Y39YD instead. The Malone item # MPG226 crossbars are definitely going to have some sag in them with all that weight.