Can Roof Rack Be Installed with Larger Distance Between Crossbars than What Instructions Advise  

Question:

Helpful Expert Reply:

According to Rhino Rack, the crossbars should be spaced 27-9/16 inches apart, center on center as shown in the provided diagram. Rhino rack chooses the specific mounting points for the crossbars based on where the strongest points of the roof are located. If you were to install the roof rack at a different distance apart, your rack would have an unknown weight capacity which could damage the rack or the vehicle roof if you unintentionally overloaded the rack.

If there was something specific you were wanting to install on the rack, please let me know and I'd be happy to look into it further for you.

expert reply by: Mike L

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Tristan M.

6/18/2020

I am looking to get a roofnest roof top tent and I was looking at these 4 roof racks. Can you advise which would be best for my car and the spacing I need to safely have this on top of my car. 2012_Subaru_Legacy . Thank you!

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Chris R.

6/22/2020

All of the roof racks available for your Subaru Legacy will pretty much require the same crossbar spacing of around 32". I specifically recommend the Yakima JetStream System that consists of parts #Y99EB because it offers longer bars for a better attachment point for the tent. I just recommend checking with Roof Nest directly about the best fit with this setup as I'm not familiar enough with their products to comfortably make a recommendation.

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Tristan M.

6/22/2020

@ChrisR Are my bars I have on my car now ( stock) at the wrong spacing? they are measuring about 27" from center to center of the crossbar.

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Chris R.

6/25/2020

@Tristan If they're factory bars I can't imagine they're "wrong", they just differ from where the aftermarket systems have the crossbars set on the roof. Are the factory bars adjustable?

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Tristan M.

6/25/2020

Yes I believe the are, but they are only rated for 110lbs so they aren’t great anyways. I need to get better bars, but if they can’t be put at 30” then no point in grabbing the new stuff. @ChrisR

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Chris R.

6/29/2020

@TristanM As long as they're adjustable you should be able to get the 30" spacing you're looking for. You could simply slide them along the rails to be sure.

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