[4237ft]

I'm a new Subaru owner (I bought a 2005 Outback Wagon last fall) and I've got a set of square Thule bars I'd like to put on my factory rails. I know that if I'd go with a brand new pair of feet from Thule, I need the Thule 450 model. However, I've found that the Thule 415 is the previous version of this model, and since I'd like to save some money on this purchase and I was planning on buying used anyway, I'd like to buy the Thule 415. I've searched the web, and this site, but have only found conflicting information on whether the Thule 415 feet will fit the factory rails on my 2005 Outback Wagon.

Can anyone here confirm whether the Thule 415 foot pack will work on my rails?

Thanks for your time!

 

[oleoutbacker]

Both feet will "work"
I have a set of 415 feet that I was using on my 98 Outback rack, and recently bought a 2009 Outback.

The 415 feet have a solid metal under bracket that has to go under the rail and engage the inner side of the foot bracket. They worked well on the old rack, which was also a different shape.

I was unable to get that to go through the small slots at the front and back ends of the 2009 rack. I was able to get them on the open parts of the rail.

The newer 450 feet have a plastic coated flexible steel band under bracket.
I get the impression that that is easer to thread those brackets and wrap a rack rail of any shape.

I suspect that Thule dropped the 415s in favor of something that is more universal. In any case you can find both on eBay.

Dave.

 

[4237ft]

Thanks for the response. I ended up buying the Thule #415 feet on ebay for $75 in new/unused condition. This is compared to paying at least $150 or so for the Thule #450 feet on ebay. I have mounted the 415 feet on my rails, and found that they work well and are definitely solid. I have no concerns about them not fitting as well as the 450 feet would.

I also was unable to get the 415 feet to go through the small slots at the front and back ends of the factory rails, however I think with the 450 feet you’d only be able to spread the bars another 6” or so. Not an issue for me.

Bottom line, the 450 feet look to be a very good design, but the 415 feet work without compromise and well worth saving $75 or more.