What Rooftop Cargo Box Do You Recommend For My 2007 Subaru Outback Impreza Wagon Sport

Question:

I love to ski, and my skis are about 180 cms long. Which size rack will fit my car and my skis? I want to put in 2 pairs of skis, my ski boots, poles, etc. I am a 55inch small woman, and fear I wont be able to put it on my car by myself. Also, once it is on, Id like to leave it there, yet still have room for a bike or 2?? on top. Is all that even possible??? BTW: My car has only 29,000 miles on it...and its still in good shape. The car also has a sun roof, and a tail fin in the back right above the back hatchback. Car is two-tone silver and black...and I want to keep it if at all possible because it has manual transmission and feels like a sports car on mountain roads.... Pamela

asked by: Pambo

Expert Reply:

I can definitely find you a rooftop cargo box that will fit your 2007 Subaru Outback Wagon and be long enough to carry your 180 cm skis. My recommended rooftop cargo box is the Rhino-Rack Zenith MasterFit Rooftop Cargo Box - 14 cu ft - High Gloss Black, part # RRRMFZ66. It is long enough that you can carry your skis, but it is short enough that you will be able to access the rear of your vehicle while carrying the Zenith. In order to have access to the rear of your vehicle the front crossbar of your rack must be at least 49-1/4" form the line where your roof and hatch meet.

There are a few things to consider. The Outback wagon will not be able to carry a long rooftop cargo box and allow you to open the rear hatch while the box is on the vehicle. You will need a medium length rooftop cargo box to ensure that flexibility. The second thing is that in order to carry a rooftop cargo box and at least one bike on your roof will require an aftermarket roof rack. Especially if you want to have access to the rear of your vehicle and to have the flexibility to carry two bikes on the roof down the road. Lastly, your factory roof rack weight limit is 100 lbs, This includes the weight of the items you are carrying and the carrier. If you have an aftermarket roof rack, your roof rack's weight limit is 165 lbs.

I have included a product description link and a video review link below.

expert reply by: Mark Smith