Check out my Subaru roof tent… Ready for summer adventures

Check this out, guys

Keep an eye on the weight limit. The roof isn’t made for dynamic forces which is why the limit drops below 200 lbs. When parked the limit is over 600 lbs.

Three adults weighing 200 lbs moving around can cause some issues; that roof might dent.

Two adults at 150 lbs moving quickly can turn that 300 lbs into way more than you think. Isn’t science fascinating!

@Wil
Yeah, no jumping up there for us :rofl: Just stationary sleeping; we’ll be close to 500 lbs with the tent included. The crossbars are handling it fine so far. Honestly, I’m hesitant to upgrade the bars because of extra height making them less stable on highways. We might just leave this setup on for good.

@Ellis
I’m with Subaru and I’ve seen those crossbars break with rooftop tents. Just take precautions!

Wynne said:
@Ellis
I’m with Subaru and I’ve seen those crossbars break with rooftop tents. Just take precautions!

Thanks for the warning. Any suggestions for low-profile ones?

Ellis said:

Wynne said:
@Ellis
I’m with Subaru and I’ve seen those crossbars break with rooftop tents. Just take precautions!

Thanks for the warning. Any suggestions for low-profile ones?

Not anything from Subaru unless it’s a touring edition. Outback options for aftermarket crossbars are limited.

@Wynne
Didn’t know touring models had different roof racks? I have the 2024 Touring XT.

Ollie said:
@Wynne
Didn’t know touring models had different roof racks? I have the 2024 Touring XT.

They used to; models from 2015-2019 didn’t come with crossbars. They were sold separately at a high price.

@Wynne
Mine is a 2019 and came with built-in ones that flip out; it’s a premium model.

Ellis said:
@Wynne
Mine is a 2019 and came with built-in ones that flip out; it’s a premium model.

The touring is actually the only Outback that didn’t include crossbars.

Wynne said:

Ellis said:
@Wynne
Mine is a 2019 and came with built-in ones that flip out; it’s a premium model.

The touring is actually the only Outback that didn’t include crossbars.

The wilderness model doesn’t have them either.

@Tanaka
This comment is empty, admin should fix

Ellis said:
@Wynne
Mine is a 2019 and came with built-in ones that flip out; it’s a premium model.

Wait, seriously? Mine’s a 2019 premium, and I haven’t used the crossbar yet, but plan on checking it soon.

@Wynne
I think I just solved a mystery. When I bought my 2023, the dealer talked about buying crossbars, and I thought it was strange. Now it makes sense if they used to be sold separately.

Ollie said:
@Wynne
Didn’t know touring models had different roof racks? I have the 2024 Touring XT.

The 5th Gen touring models come with low profile rails. They can handle 176 lbs dynamic load limit, so stronger racks can fit that generation.

5th Gen and older integrated roof rails have a 165 lb dynamic load limit.

@Wynne
What about crossbars from Harbor Freight? I got a set there.

Wayne said:
@Wynne
What about crossbars from Harbor Freight? I got a set there.

Honestly, I don’t know much about those.

Wynne said:

Wayne said:
@Wynne
What about crossbars from Harbor Freight? I got a set there.

Honestly, I don’t know much about those.

Okay, thanks for the info.

Ellis said:

Wynne said:
@Ellis
I’m with Subaru and I’ve seen those crossbars break with rooftop tents. Just take precautions!

Thanks for the warning. Any suggestions for low-profile ones?

Just go for Yakima. They’re pricier but super reliable and stable. I know a guy who sells refurbished if you’re interested.

@Ellery
Is there any resale value with those? I have a Thule set just sitting from my old car.