Will the Malone Kayak Carrier with Telos XL Lift Assist Fit a 2026 Subaru Forester OEM Rack
Updated 11/04/2026 | Published 10/30/2026
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Question:
Will the Malone cradles and lift assist work on 2026 Forester factory installed crossbars. All the pics I see have them on after market cross rails. Thanks.
asked by: Trudy B
Expert Reply:
Hi there Trudy! Sadly, the Malone DownLoader Kayak Carrier with Telos XL Lift Assist # MPG114MD-351XL won't work properly with the factory crossbars on your 2026 Subaru Forester. The issue isn't so much the cradles themselves, but the lift assist. The Telos XL needs the crossbars to extend past the roof rails so you have enough clearance to raise and lower your kayak without the lift assist rubbing against or scratching the side of your Forester.
The good news is you can still use this setup! You'd just need to swap your factory crossbars for something like the Malone AirFlow2 Roof Rack # MAL74AR, which has 50 inch crossbars and is designed for raised side rails. I actually have this roof rack myself, and I've been really happy with it! It's a nice setup, and the extra crossbar overhang is exactly what you're looking for with the Telos XL. Before going that route, though, I'd want to make sure your Forester has the raised side rails this rack attaches to.
What kayak are you loading, and will you usually load solo on your Forester?
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Malone DownLoader Kayak Roof Rack w/ Lift Assist and Tie-Downs - J-Style - Clamp On
- Watersport Carriers
- Kayak
- Roof Mount Carrier
- J-Style
- Folding
- Aero Bars
- Factory Bars
- Round Bars
- Square Bars
- Side Loading
- Clamp-On
- Load Assist
- Malone
more information >
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Trudy B.
11/1/2026
Thank you. I'm not in the market for more cross rails at this time. You've been super helpful.