How far apart should crossbars be on Subaru Forester?

Crossbars on a Subaru Forester are typically spaced about 28 to 32 inches apart (71 to 81 cm) from center to center for most configurations. Always verify with your specific rack system’s manual and your Forester’s owner guide for model-year specifics.

Understanding crossbar spacing on the Forester

The exact distance between crossbars depends on whether you’re using OEM rails, aftermarket rails, and the type of load you plan to carry. Forester generations vary in roof geometry, and rack manufacturers publish different spread recommendations. The overarching goal is to provide stable support across the load footprint while staying within the roof’s load limits.

Key factors shaping crossbar spacing

The following factors influence where you place crossbars on a Forester. Consider them together with your rack’s instructions.

• Load footprint length and type: longer or wider loads may require a wider or narrower spread to maximize stability.


• Roof rail width and mounting points: ensure crossbars align with compatible mounting locations and do not extend beyond the rails’ end caps.


• Accessory requirements: bike racks, kayak carriers, and roof boxes often specify a recommended spread range for optimal load distribution and safety.


• Weight distribution and center of gravity: even spacing helps keep the vehicle’s center of gravity low and prevents uneven stress on one crossbar.

In practice, start from a center-to-center distance in the commonly used range (around 28–32 inches) and adjust to suit the gear and rack system, always staying within the manufacturer’s guidelines.

Practical spacing guidelines by load type

These guidelines provide a starting point for common loads. Always confirm with your rack’s documentation and the Forester’s roof capacity.

• Luggage and small items (boxes, suitcases): target roughly 28–32 inches (71–81 cm) apart to create a stable footprint and minimize load shifting.


• Boards, skis, and snowboards: spacing should still fall in the 28–32 inch range unless the accessory kit specifies a different spread to fit the gear properly.


• Bikes: if mounting two bikes, you may need the wider end of the range or slightly more (up to about 32–40 inches, 81–102 cm) to accommodate frame clearance; always follow the bike rack’s exact recommendations.

Conforming to the rack manufacturer’s spread specifications is essential, especially when carrying heavier or irregularly shaped gear, to avoid overhang or contact with the vehicle’s seams and sunroof (if equipped).

Notes on OEM vs aftermarket systems

Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) roof rails and crossbars are designed to integrate with Subaru’s load ratings. Aftermarket racks vary in their spread recommendations and weight limits. Always check both the Forester’s manual for roof load limits and the rack maker’s instructions to ensure the crossbar spacing you choose remains within those limits and does not interfere with any vehicle features.

Summary

For Subaru Forester models with roof rails, a practical starting point for crossbar spacing is about 28–32 inches apart (71–81 cm). Use this as a baseline, but verify exact spacing with your rack’s documentation and the vehicle’s manual, and adjust based on the specific gear you’re carrying to maintain stability, safety, and compliance with weight limits.

How far apart should crossbars be for a roof top tent?

30.25"
Here's what you'll want: 1) Bars as wide as your roof, or the vehicle. 2) A distance of 30.25" between the two crossbars for a stable mount. 4) A Dynamic weight capacity equal to or greater than the weight of your tent.

What is the roof rack limit on a Subaru Forester?

The dynamic roof rack capacity for a standard Subaru Forester is 176 lbs (80 kg), which is the weight limit when the vehicle is in motion. However, this limit is for the vehicle's roof, not the rack itself, and does not include the weight of the crossbars or any other accessories. The capacity can differ for models like the Wilderness, which has a significantly higher capacity designed for heavier loads like rooftop tents. 
Standard Subaru Forester

• Dynamic load capacity: 176 lbs (80 kg) 
• Note: This is the weight you can carry while driving. It must be less than the total weight of any roof rack, accessories, and cargo. 
• For example: If your crossbars and other accessories weigh 40 lbs, you can only carry 136 lbs of cargo (176 lbs - 40 lbs). 

Subaru Forester Wilderness

• Dynamic load capacity: 150 lbs (68 kg) 
• Note: The Wilderness model has a different capacity, and its crossbars are significantly beefier to support heavier loads like rooftop tents. 

Other considerations

• Static load capacity: The static (stationary) load capacity is usually much higher than the dynamic load capacity, often three times more. However, you should always follow the manufacturer's dynamic load limit for safety reasons.
• Consult your owner's manual: Always refer to your specific model's owner's manual for the most accurate weight capacity information. 

How far apart should crossbars be?

Crossbar spacing depends on the vehicle and the items being carried, but a general range is 24 to 36 inches apart if no specific instructions are given. For certain accessories like roof tents or awnings, the required spacing can be much wider (e.g., 30 inches or more) to provide adequate support. Always check the specific recommendations for your vehicle, crossbars, and any accessories you plan to mount, as improper spacing can affect load capacity and safety.
 
You can watch this video to learn how to install crossbars on a car with factory rails: 53sRhino-RackYouTube · Feb 20, 2014
General guidelines

• If no instructions are provided: Aim for a spacing between 24 and 36 inches, measured from the same point on each bar (e.g., center to center). 
• For heavier items: If you're carrying a roof tent, kayak, or other heavy gear, you may need to increase the spacing significantly to support the weight. For example, some roof tents require a minimum spacing of 30 inches or more. 
• For stability and balance: Strive for a balance between the two crossbars. A good rule of thumb is to have a wider span between them for longer objects like kayaks, and a narrower span for smaller items like a cargo box. 
• Check manufacturer recommendations: Always consult the instructions for your specific vehicle, crossbars, and accessories. Some manufacturers have specific mounting point recommendations for safety and weight capacity. 

Additional tips

• When installing, place the front bar in a location that provides good support and doesn't interfere with the sunroof or other components. 
• Measure from the center of one crossbar to the center of the other for a consistent measurement. 
• Ensure the overhang on each side is equal for proper balance. 
• When not in use, consider moving the crossbars to a position that minimizes wind resistance and noise.