How much weight can a Subaru roof rail hold?
Most Subaru roof rails are rated to hold about 150 pounds (68 kilograms) of total roof load, including crossbars and cargo; exact limits vary by model and year, so consult your owner's manual.
In this article, we explain what those numbers mean, how to verify the limit on your specific vehicle, and best practices for carrying gear on a roof rack safely.
Understanding Subaru's roof-load numbers
Roof-load ratings describe the maximum weight the roof can bear when the car is stationary. The figure typically applies to the entire roof assembly—the rails, crossbars, and any luggage or equipment mounted on them. Exceeding this limit can affect handling, tire wear, and overall safety.
Note that Subaru's exact limit varies by year and model. The common figure for many modern Subarus is around 150 pounds (68 kg), but some configurations may differ. Always verify for your specific vehicle using the owner's manual and the door-jamb placard.
- Typical static roof-load limit: 150 pounds (68 kg) for many recent Subaru models. This is the maximum combined weight of the roof, crossbars, and gear.
- Some models or years may be rated as lower or higher within a similar range; check your model/year to be certain.
- The rating is for the entire roof system and should not be tested by loading to the limit repeatedly; use only what you need and secure it firmly.
- The weight of aftermarket crossbars and gear counts toward the limit, and using lighter racks helps avoid exceeding the rating.
Concluding: Always rely on the official specification for your car. If you are unsure, contact a Subaru dealership or consult the owner's portal to confirm the exact static roof-load limit for your model/year.
Common pitfalls when loading a Subaru roof
Even when you stay within the published limit, improper loading can cause issues. Keep the center of gravity low, distribute weight evenly, secure items tightly, and avoid sharp edges or loose gear that could shift at speed. When in doubt, err on the side of a lighter load to preserve handling and fuel efficiency.
How to verify your exact limit for your model/year
To determine the precise load rating for your vehicle, follow these steps:
- Find the exact static roof-load limit in your owner's manual; many modern Subarus list 150 pounds (68 kg).
- Look for a placard in the driver's door jamb that states the roof-load limit or gross roof weight (if present, this is the same figure).
- Account for the weight of the crossbars, roof rack, and any attached gear; the combined weight must not exceed the published limit with all items mounted on the roof.
- Consider dynamic factors such as wind uplift and vehicle speed; plan trips with a focus on safety and avoid high-speed driving with heavy roof loads.
- If you have aftermarket racks, confirm their combined rating is compatible with the vehicle's limit or consult a dealer for guidance.
Concluding: By verifying the exact limit for your vehicle and correctly pairing rack equipment with your cargo, you maximize safety and protect your Subaru's roof integrity.
Summary
In practice, most Subaru roof rails tolerate about 150 pounds (68 kg) of total roof load, but the exact figure depends on model and year. Always verify with the owner's manual and the door-jamb placard, account for crossbars and gear, and load with care to maintain safe handling and prevent damage.
How much weight can the crossbars hold on a Subaru Outback?
150-pound
Factory Crossbars: Handy, But Limited
It's a smart and convenient setup for lighter gear. These work just fine for hauling a cargo box, a few duffel bags, or even your snowboard. With a 150-pound dynamic load rating (and up to 700 pounds static while parked), they're capable enough for simple tasks.
What is the weight limit for the roof rack on a 2019 Subaru Impreza?
Total roof load weight limit of 150 lbs.
How much weight can a roof rail hold?
For most vehicles, dynamic load capacities are surprisingly low - usually between 50kg and 100kg. That includes the weight of the roof rack itself! So, before you start stacking up the swag and solar panels, check your vehicle's manual and the roof rack specifications to avoid exceeding the limit.
How much can a Subaru Forester roof rack hold?
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.
