Built for Subaru

Category: Roof Racks & Carriers

  • How to Carry a Paddleboard on a Subaru Roof

    Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links. I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

    A stand-up paddleboard is long, light and awkward, and a Subaru roof can carry one if the bars and strapping are right. Here is how the common setups compare and how to keep the board safe at highway speed. We chose these for their high ratings and large review counts.

    Quick Picks

    • Best straps: Premium tie-down straps for surfboards and paddleboards, 4.7 stars from 4,000+ reviews

    • Best bow and stern lines: Sentry ratchet bow and stern tie-downs, 4.6 stars from 3,000+ reviews

    • Best padding: Dakine Aero rack pads, 4.7 stars from 2,000+ reviews

    Kayak strapped to the crossbars of a Subaru Crosstrek
    Subaru with a paddleboard on the roof crossbars, one strap at each bar and bow and stern lines to the car

    Three Ways to Carry a Board

    SetupBest forTradeoff
    Foam blocks and strapsOccasional use, inflatable or hard boardsCheapest, but shifts if strapped loosely
    Padded rack with arms or saddlesRegular useHolds the board more securely and loads easily
    Stacker barsTwo or more boardsNeeds extra width and a higher weight budget

    Crossbars and Spacing

    Use crossbars rather than bare rails, and set them as far apart as your roof and bars allow, so a long board is supported. See our crossbar length guide for the right bar length by model, and best crossbars for kayaks for bars that suit boat and board carriers.

    Straps and Padding

    Use two straps over the board, one near each crossbar, and run them around the bar, not the rail. The premium tie-down straps are cam buckle straps sold for roof racks, surfboards and paddleboards. Soft pads like Dakine Aero rack pads protect the board and the bars.

    Bow and Stern Lines

    If the board extends past the bars, add a bow and stern line to the car. The Sentry bow and stern tie-downs are ratcheting lines made for kayaks and canoes, and they work the same way on a long board. Check the overhang rules where you drive.

    Roof Weight

    A board and carrier are light, but the crossbars, rack and board all count against your roof limit. See roof weight limits by model and year, and stay under the lowest rating in the chain.

    FAQs

    Can a Subaru carry a paddleboard on the roof?

    Yes, with crossbars and proper straps. Check the roof limit and keep the board centered between the bars.

    Do I need a special rack?

    Foam blocks work for occasional trips. A padded rack holds the board more securely if you go often.

    How tight should the straps be?

    Snug enough that the board doesn’t shift when you push it. Don’t crush an inflatable board or dent a hard one.

    Should I stop and re-check?

    Yes. Re-check the straps after a few miles, since new straps stretch.

    Final Thoughts

    Two straps, a bow and stern line for long boards, and a quick re-check at the first stop cover most of it. Pad the bars, keep within your roof limit, and skip the roof entirely if you own an inflatable board.

    Related Guides

  • How to Carry an E-Bike on a Subaru: Hitch, Roof, and Weight Limits

    Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links. I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

    E-bikes are heavy, and that changes how you carry them. A standard bike rack that works for a regular bike can be too small for an e-bike on a Crosstrek, Forester or Outback. Here is how to decide and which racks to look at. Check each rack’s listed weight rating against your bike before you buy.

    Quick Picks

    • Best platform rack: Kuat NV 2.0, rated 4.7 to 4.8 stars on Amazon. Check its listed per-bike weight for your e-bike

    • Best premium pick: Thule T2 Pro XTR, rated 4.5 stars on Amazon

    • Best for heavy bikes: Kuat Transfer V2, a 3 or 4 bike platform rack

    • Best loading help: Thule folding loading ramp, saves your back with a heavy bike

    E-bike hitch budget: 150 lb tongue limit minus 55 lb rack minus 55 lb e-bike leaves 40 lb

    Why Weight Is the Problem

    Many e-bikes weigh 50 lbs or more, and some weigh a lot more, so check the weight on your bike’s spec sheet. Lifting that overhead onto a roof is difficult, and the roof limit is also low. On most Subarus it is 150 to 176 lbs for the crossbars, the rack and everything on them. See roof weight limits by model and year.

    The Hitch Rack Is Usually the Better Choice

    A platform hitch rack lets you roll or lift the bike to waist height, and it keeps the weight off the roof. The catch is tongue weight, because the rack and the bikes all press down on the hitch. Subaru’s hitch listings show 150 lbs of tongue weight on a standard 2022-2024 Forester and on a standard 2024-2026 Crosstrek, and more on the Wilderness trims. Our hitch receiver guide has the details.

    A Quick Weight Check

    • Rack weight (platform racks are heavy, so check the listing).
    • Plus the weight of each e-bike.
    • Compare the total to your hitch’s tongue weight limit.

    Two e-bikes and a platform rack can reach 150 lbs quickly, which is why one bike on a standard Forester or Crosstrek is more realistic than two. The Wilderness trims and some Outbacks have more room, so check the number for your hitch.

    Racks Worth Looking At

    The Kuat NV 2.0 and the Thule T2 Pro XTR are platform racks, which hold the bike by the wheels and frame. The Kuat Transfer V2 is a 3 or 4 bike option. A folding loading ramp saves your back with a heavy bike.

    Tips for Carrying an E-Bike

    • Remove the battery and any bags before you drive, so the bike is lighter and the battery is safe.
    • Use a rack rated for e-bike weight that holds the bike securely.
    • Check the rack and straps at your first stop.

    FAQs

    Can you put an e-bike on a Subaru roof rack?

    You can, but the bike and rack count against a roof limit of 150 to 176 lbs on most models, and lifting an e-bike overhead is hard.

    What kind of rack is best for an e-bike?

    A platform hitch rack, because it keeps the weight low and lets you roll the bike on.

    How many e-bikes can a Subaru carry?

    It depends on your hitch’s tongue weight and the rack. One bike is the realistic choice on a standard Forester or Crosstrek.

    Should I take the battery off?

    Yes. It reduces weight and protects the battery on the road.

    Final Thoughts

    For an e-bike, start with a platform hitch rack and a quick weight check against your tongue limit. If the numbers are tight, carry one bike.

    Related Guides

  • Roof Rack Locks for a Subaru: What to Lock and What They Protect

    Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links. I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

    A roof rack holds gear worth hundreds or thousands of dollars, and most of it can be taken in seconds if it isn’t locked. Locks don’t make theft impossible, but they make your car a harder target than the next one. Here is what to lock and what to look for. We chose these for their high ratings and large review counts.

    Quick Picks

    • Best for matching keys: Thule One-Key System 4-pack, 4.7 stars from 1,300+ reviews, one key for your Thule bars, box and carriers

    White Subaru Crosstrek with a roof cargo basket, front three-quarter view
    Photo: Dinkun Chen, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
    Subaru with a cargo box showing three lock points: crossbar to vehicle, box to crossbars and box lid

    Three Places to Lock

    WhatWhat the lock doesNotes
    Crossbars to the vehicleStops thieves removing the bars from the roofMany aftermarket crossbars accept lock cores
    Cargo box to the crossbarsLocks the box so it can’t be lifted offMost boxes lock the mounts
    Box lidKeeps the contents safeMost boxes lock the lid with the same key

    Keyed-Alike Systems Save Time

    Many rack and box makers sell lock cores that match a single key, so one key opens your crossbars, box and carriers. The Thule One-Key System 4-pack gives you four matching cylinders and keys, so one key opens your Thule bars, boxes and carriers. Check that your parts use the One-Key system before you order.

    What to Check Before You Buy

    • Brand compatibility: locks from one maker often don’t fit another’s crossbars or boxes.
    • What’s already included: many cargo boxes ship with locks.
    • Where the lock sits: a lock that’s hard to reach is a lock you stop using.
    • Cable locks for loose gear: bikes and kayaks often need a cable looped through the frame.

    FAQs

    Do roof rack locks stop theft?

    They deter it. A locked rack takes longer to defeat, so thieves tend to move on to an easier car.

    Do cargo boxes come with locks?

    Most do. Check the box’s listing and match the key to your bars if you want one key for everything.

    Can I use locks from a different brand?

    Sometimes, but only if the cores are listed as compatible. Check before you order.

    Is gear on the roof covered by insurance?

    It depends on your policy, so check your homeowner’s or renter’s coverage.

    Final Thoughts

    Lock the bars, the box and the lid, use one key if you can, and don’t leave valuables in a box overnight. It’s a small cost next to the gear on your roof.

    Related Guides

  • When Should You Upgrade From Factory Crossbars to Aftermarket?

    Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links. I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

    Our Factory Roof Rails vs Aftermarket Crossbars and OEM vs Aftermarket Crossbars guides cover which is generally better. This one skips that debate and answers a more useful question: how do you know when it’s actually time to upgrade your specific setup, rather than just wondering if you should?

    Vehicle roof rating versus crossbar rating: the lower number is your real usable limit

    You’ve Outgrown What Factory Crossbars Can Carry

    This is the clearest, most objective signal. If you want to add a roof tent, a heavier cargo box, or anything else that pushes past your factory crossbars’ rated capacity, that’s not a “maybe” — check the actual rating before assuming an upgrade is optional. See our How Much Weight Can Subaru Crossbars Hold? guide to check your specific numbers.

    You Need a Longer or Different Spread

    Some accessories — certain cargo boxes, wider bike setups — need a specific minimum crossbar spread that factory bars don’t always provide. If an accessory’s fitment guide calls out a spread your factory setup can’t hit, that’s a compatibility issue an upgrade solves, not a preference.

    Wind Noise or Fuel Economy Complaints Are Real and Ongoing

    If factory crossbars are creating noticeable wind noise or you’re seeing a real mileage hit even without anything mounted, some aftermarket designs are genuinely more aerodynamic. This is a softer signal than the first two — worth weighing against the cost, not an automatic “upgrade now.”

    Signs You Probably Don’t Need to Upgrade Yet

    If your factory crossbars are handling everything you actually mount to them, within their rated capacity, without wind noise you find genuinely bothersome — there’s no real reason to upgrade just because aftermarket options exist. This is worth saying directly: an upgrade solves a specific problem. If you don’t have one of the problems above, factory crossbars are doing their job.

    Common Mistakes

    • Upgrading without a specific reason. If factory crossbars handle your actual use case, an upgrade is a cost without a real benefit.
    • Assuming all aftermarket crossbars rate higher than factory. Not always true — check the actual spec, don’t assume.
    • Ignoring the dynamic weight rating when checking capacity. The static (parked) number isn’t the one that matters while driving.

    FAQs

    Do I need aftermarket crossbars for a roof tent?
    Often yes — roof tents are among the heaviest common accessories, and factory crossbars don’t always rate high enough. Check the specific numbers before assuming either way.

    Are aftermarket crossbars always stronger than factory ones?
    Not automatically — capacity varies by brand and design. Check the actual rating rather than assuming aftermarket means higher capacity.

    Is it worth upgrading just to reduce wind noise?
    It can be, but it’s a softer case than a hard capacity or compatibility limit — weigh the cost against how much the noise actually bothers you.

    Gear Worth Considering

    Three well-reviewed items that go with a roof setup. We chose them for their ratings and review counts.

    Need bars first? See our picks for the Outback, Forester and Crosstrek.

    Final Thoughts

    The real signals for upgrading are specific: a capacity limit you’ve hit, a spread requirement you can’t meet, or an ongoing noise/mileage issue that genuinely bothers you. Absent one of those, factory crossbars doing their job is a good reason to leave them alone.

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  • How Much Weight Can Subaru Crossbars Hold?

    Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links. I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

    Our Roof Weight Limits guide covers the vehicle’s own roof load rating. Crossbars have a separate rating of their own — and in a lot of setups, especially aftermarket ones, the crossbar’s rating is the actual limiting factor, not the vehicle’s.

    Vehicle roof rating versus crossbar rating: the lower number is your real usable limit

    Two Different Numbers That Both Matter

    The vehicle’s roof has its own rated capacity, and the crossbars mounted to it have theirs — these aren’t always the same number, and the lower of the two is your real, usable limit. Factory crossbars are engineered specifically for the vehicle and often match closely to the roof’s own rating. Aftermarket crossbars can rate higher or lower depending on the brand and design, which is exactly why checking the crossbar’s own spec sheet matters, not just the vehicle’s.

    Where to Actually Find the Crossbar Rating

    Look at the crossbar manufacturer’s product listing or manual, not the vehicle’s owner’s manual — that number only covers the roof itself. Most crossbar brands publish a dynamic (driving) and static (parked) rating separately, and the dynamic number is almost always lower. Plan around the dynamic rating, since that’s the one that applies any time the vehicle is actually moving.

    What Counts Toward the Total

    Everything mounted to the crossbars counts toward the rating — the accessory’s own weight (a cargo box, basket, or bike rack isn’t weightless) plus whatever’s loaded inside or on it. A common mistake is budgeting only for the cargo and forgetting the accessory itself can weigh 30-50 lbs before anything’s loaded into it.

    Stacking Accessories Adds Up Fast

    A cargo box alone might sit comfortably under the rating. The same box plus a bike mount plus actual cargo can exceed it even though each piece seemed reasonable individually. Add up the full stack — accessory weights plus contents — against the crossbar’s dynamic rating before assuming everything fits. See our What Can You Carry on Subaru Crossbars? guide for a rundown of common accessory weights.

    Common Mistakes

    • Only checking the vehicle’s roof rating. The crossbar has its own separate rating that can be the actual limiting factor.
    • Using the static rating instead of the dynamic one. The dynamic (driving) rating is almost always lower and is the one that applies on the road.
    • Forgetting the accessory’s own weight. A cargo box or basket isn’t weightless before you’ve loaded anything into it.

    FAQs

    Is the crossbar rating the same as the vehicle’s roof rating?
    Not always — they’re two separate numbers, and the lower one is your actual usable limit.

    Where do I find my crossbar’s weight rating?
    The manufacturer’s product page or included manual — not the vehicle’s owner’s manual, which only covers the roof itself.

    Should I use the static or dynamic rating?
    Dynamic — it’s the rating that applies while driving and is almost always the lower, more conservative number.

    Does the weight of the cargo box or basket itself count?
    Yes — it counts toward the total along with whatever’s loaded inside it, not just the cargo alone.

    Gear Worth Considering

    Three well-reviewed items that go with a roof setup. We chose them for their ratings and review counts.

    Need bars first? See our picks for the Outback, Forester and Crosstrek.

    Final Thoughts

    Check both numbers — the vehicle’s roof rating and the crossbar’s own rating — and plan around whichever is lower, using the dynamic figure. It’s a five-minute check that avoids a genuinely risky overload, especially once accessories start stacking up.

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  • Best Roof Basket for Subaru

    Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links. I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

    A roof basket is one of the simpler crossbar accessories to shop for — there’s less variation in design than cargo boxes, and the main decisions are size, weight capacity, and whether you want a bag included for weather protection.

    Quick Picks

    What Actually Matters When Choosing One

    Weight rating matters more than basket size for most buyers — a larger basket that’s under-rated for what you actually want to carry isn’t useful. Check your crossbar’s own rated capacity too, since the basket’s rating and your crossbar’s rating both need to clear whatever you’re loading; the lower of the two is your real limit. See our Roof Weight Limits guide for the vehicle side of that equation.

    Steel vs Aluminum Construction

    Steel baskets are generally more affordable and rated for higher weight capacities, at the cost of extra weight on the roof itself — worth factoring into your total roof weight budget. Aluminum options are lighter and often easier to handle during installation, generally at a higher price point for a comparable capacity.

    Do You Need a Bag?

    A basket alone offers zero weather protection — anything inside gets exposed to rain, dust, and road grime. A waterproof cargo bag designed for the basket solves this without needing to switch to an enclosed box, and it’s worth the extra cost if you’ll ever carry anything that shouldn’t get wet or dirty.

    Common Mistakes

    • Buying based on size alone. Weight rating is the more important spec for most actual use cases.
    • Ignoring your crossbar’s own weight rating. The basket’s capacity doesn’t matter if your crossbars are rated lower.
    • Assuming a basket keeps gear dry. It doesn’t, without a separate weatherproof bag or your own tarping.

    FAQs

    Do roof baskets keep gear dry?
    Not on their own — you’ll need a waterproof cargo bag or your own tarping for weather-sensitive gear.

    Steel or aluminum roof basket?
    Steel generally offers more capacity for less money but adds more roof weight. Aluminum is lighter at a higher price point.

    What’s the actual weight limit for a roof basket?
    Whichever is lower between the basket’s own rating and your crossbar’s rated capacity — check both, not just one.

    Final Thoughts

    Most roof baskets do the same basic job well — the real decisions are weight capacity, construction material, and whether a weatherproof bag is worth the extra cost for what you actually plan to carry.

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