No. It looks good. Two tone impression. Yakima is famous stuff. Bet you'll get a lot of use out of that.

 

Hmmm.... That photo makes me wonder how our Rocket Box (long) will fit, but that makes this all the more valuable while we shop for cars.

I have to admit that the rack on this car is a concern where I don't see how I can get utility and value of all of our rack items (bars, attachments). Yakima customer service said their current products limit the bar spread to 21 inches.

Thank you.

 

I'm in the market for one of these puppies. Thankyou creso, the 16 fits beautifully. :10: Yakima now has the 2010 OB in their 'fit my car' feature and by the looks of it any of the boxes will technically fit with the disclaimer about interference with the rear hatch. Interference would not please me at all. :3:

From the pics it looks like the 18 would just about work -- an inch or two on the back end should clear the spoiler but not foul the glass.

But, is there any need to go bigger than the 16? The rack is only rated at 100 lbs, and the box alone will consume almost half that capacity. I'm looking to carry camping gear rather than skis, etc. to keep the back free for his lordship the dog. Gear for 2-3 adults and 1 kid.

What would other people do? Go to REI and have them bring out a couple? I'm a member and there is a store within 30 mins of here. Everyone seems to have the same price on there.

Also, is the nicer lid finish worth the extra money? I guess that one's quite subjective...

 

The rocket box will not fit unless you drill new holes and do not want to lift the hatch up very high. I had to bite the bullet and buy the 16. But for those of us that ski, the 16 can only carry skis up to 180cm.

 

The rocket box will not fit unless you drill new holes and do not want to lift the hatch up very high. I had to bite the bullet and buy the 16. But for those of us that ski, the 16 can only carry skis up to 180cm.

Hmm.....

That's important news for me the Rocket Box owner, and making me think less of the already poor design. By poor design I mean a rack where it has been optimized for non-use.

The rack may not be a deal breaker, but it's more reason to remain a tire kicker at least until the next generation 4Runner is released later in the month.

I would not want to buy a new roof box and I really like my older one because the white top doesn't roast the contents.

 

Thule Atlantis 1800 687BXT

Anyone mount a Thule Atlantis 1800 687BXT on a2010 Outback? I need the longer box for my XC skis (210 cm). I specifically want to know if the box can be mounted all the way back (to minimize drag) and still not interfere with the rear hatch.

ManyThanks!
Matt

 

Re: Thule Atlantis 1800 687BXT

Anyone mount a Thule Atlantis 1800 687BXT on a2010 Outback? I need the longer box for my XC skis (210 cm). I specifically want to know if the box can be mounted all the way back (to minimize drag) and still not interfere with the rear hatch.

ManyThanks!
Matt

No dice.... I have one and I have it pushed as far forward as the OEM cross bars will allow and my hatch hits. Debating on wether or not looking for a smaller box or getting shorter struts on the hatch to stop it just short of the box... I love the size of the 1800 so I am bummed. It fit the A4 wagon no prob.

 

No dice.... I have one and I have it pushed as far forward as the OEM cross bars will allow and my hatch hits. Debating on wether or not looking for a smaller box or getting shorter struts on the hatch to stop it just short of the box... I love the size of the 1800 so I am bummed. It fit the A4 wagon no prob.

There are a number of us that have mounted the Atlantis 18 on Thule crossbars to get the extra space for the hatch and bike racks, etc. It works fine. Look at the messages above for pictures, etc.

Sometimes I throw the box on the factory rails for trips when I don't need the bike. For those trips I just have a piece of foam that I throw between the hatch and the box to cushion the light. It's a great box and we often need every cubic inch of its capacity.

Good luck!

 

Re: Re: Thule Atlantis 1800 687BXT

No dice.... I have one and I have it pushed as far forward as the OEM cross bars will allow and my hatch hits. Debating on wether or not looking for a smaller box or getting shorter struts on the hatch to stop it just short of the box... I love the size of the 1800 so I am bummed. It fit the A4 wagon no prob.

Hmmm...too bad I already bought one based on the Thule fit guide info online.

It looks good (thanks for the pics!), too bad the hatch doesn't open all the way. Even though it hits, does it open enough to load and unload stuff in the back?

 

^ Yes, you still have plenty of space. I would say it hits on the last 1.5"-2" of opening all the way. I havent let it go all the way since I didnt want to either crack the third brake light or scratch it up.

 

I am suprised more owners have not posted on this subject yet. For those of you who have an aftermarket rack system (Thule or Yakima) please be aware that you will be able to use very little of your current carriers. My wife and I ski or cycle nearly every weekend here in CO with friends and we normally carry a Skybox 18 and a six-pack powderhound in the winter or 4 bikes and a Skybox 18 in the summer on my old '99 Legacy wagon with another couple and dogs. Obviously I have huge crossbars to carry all of that junk, but unfortunately you cannot put aftermarket crossbars on the 2010 OB. They have made it where you can only use the factory crossbars which are 36 inches wide. This will only fit my Skybox 18 and nothing else.

I spoke to an individual at SOA and he indicated he had already received over 500 complaints about the utility of the new crossbar system. I feel like the new system is a great design, but I wish they had built in the option of using an aftermarket set of crossbars as well.

Just something to consider for anyone looking at the new OB.

 

^ Yes, you still have plenty of space. I would say it hits on the last 1.5"-2" of opening all the way. I havent let it go all the way since I didnt want to either crack the third brake light or scratch it up.

Phew...the wife would have laughed at me (Mr. Research) if it didn't fit the car I haven't even taken delivery of yet :6:

I think I will use a piece of foam on the back of the carrier to protect the hatch... or maybe a temporary "strut limiter" like a pre-measured piece of rope tied inside trunk and to hatch would also limit upwards travel??? Hmmm...let me ponder most elegant engineering work-around....:1:

 

Personally, I think Subaru should junk this new so called rack and replace it with a more traditional one where you can move the cross bars back and forth along the rails. You can always take the cross bars off if you aren't using them.

 

definitely not a fan of this rack design. I understand the idea, but they really should have done more research....

 

I'm planning on buying the Yakima Skybox Pro 16 as well this month.

FYI, Yakima is currently a $50 rebate on the Skybox Pro series and a $25 rebate on the SkyBox series through 12/31.

Also Dick's Sporting Goods is offering a $150 gift card for any purchase over $300 through 11/30 (this may only be a southern California offer though)

 

I'm planning on buying the Yakima Skybox Pro 16 as well this month.

FYI, Yakima is currently a $50 rebate on the Skybox Pro series and a $25 rebate on the SkyBox series through 12/31.

Also Dick's Sporting Goods is offering a $150 gift card for any purchase over $300 through 11/30 (this may only be a southern California offer though)

Apparently it's CA only: Promo

 

Not sure if it is nation wide but Minnesota REI's have a 20% off sale on Thule racks and cargo boxes from November 20th through the 30th.

Looks like I will be buying the Atlantis 1600 instead of an 1800 judging by the posts here. Anyone get an 1800 to fit without making adjustments to the rear struts?

 

I almost didn't buy because of the rack. Almost.

I had an entire Thule system for my XC70: Crossroads, fairing, two Side-arms, and a Ascent 1100 cargo box for the winter. None of them would work on the new OB I was hoping to buy. I told the dealer that the rack was deal breaker. The dealer agreed to mount a trailer hitch and give me enough cash back to buy a new hitch-mount bike rack and a cargo box. After selling my old system, I came out smellin' like a rose.

I bought a Thule Atlantis 1200 (shorter that I like, but works fine) and am still on the fence between Yakima or Thule for the bike rack. Will wait til spring for that though.

I think the new rack is a great example of design by focus group. It's useless for most aftermarket attachments, and has a very questionable plastic locking mechanism. Sure, it's quiet when folded away and out of use, but for many outback owners, that's just a few weeks out of the year. It also leaves a lot to be desired in terms of styling. Kinda bulky.

I bet we'll see a modification next year.

 

This set-up works well for me.

 

Not sure if you know but mounting bars on your bars when stowed in the front back position is a NO-NO. Read the manual. The bars are not secure and not meant to be used while stowed in the front back position. You will loose the load and cause damage to your car and others.

 

another view

 

Latest version. Installed the wheel arch moldings.

 

I stand corrected on the Crossroads. It obviously can work, depending on your set up and needs. I was very concerned about putting two 48 lb. dh bikes up there with the load bars so close together. And I'm still not sold on the rail locking mechanism. My cargo box, on the other hand, had way to much of an ass end to fit.

 

Picked up our Titanium SkyBox Pro 16 today.
Only had time to mount it and take one picture.

 

Not sure if it is nation wide but Minnesota REI's have a 20% off sale on Thule racks and cargo boxes from November 20th through the 30th.

Looks like I will be buying the Atlantis 1600 instead of an 1800 judging by the posts here. Anyone get an 1800 to fit without making adjustments to the rear struts?

this is nationwide and i too will be scooping something up. i am between the ascent 1100 and the atlantis 1600 for my 09 OB. I saw a car parked in the street that had the ascent 1100 mounted but i am not sure if it's tail was clearing. (I hope so) i'm in the same boat where the longer box is almost a necessity because of skis, etc.

gonna throw it on top and see if it will work on friday. *Crosses fingers*

 

another view

I'm a bit naive when it comes to these racks...what can you use this for? Skis? Bikes? Kayaks?

Looks sharp...

What's the model?

Thanks for the response!

 

I have a BMW roof top box and was wondering how to retrofit it to the Outback.
Any ideas?