Anyone else wanting to replace the factory roof rail set up on the normal Outback with the wilderness raised roof rails that look similar to the forester? I’m looking to do this if possible just not sure of the approach to take.
Wilderness Roof Rail
BarstoolOynx
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THe WIlderness rails
![Image]()
Wowsers, almost tempted to get that installed rather than the OEM crossbars we had installed. Looks pretty slick! Though the OEM ones are rated for 700lbs (static), perfect for gear and a rooftop tent hosting the 2 humans ;-)
Any suggestions on where to buy in Vancouver, BC, Canada AND get installed?
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(Forgive the side-conversation but I found this thread after trying to search for photos of the Wilderness rails.)
@volcanogirl73 and @CheckA, since you both removed your Wilderness rails, I'm curious if you recall how the eight bolts were sealed into the roof - are there any silicon or rubber gaskets where the bolts were mounted to the roof that keeps water from draining into the bolt holes and inside the car? Or are the bolts embedded on rubber surrounds that end up sealing when the racks bolts are torqued to the roof? It's hard to tell from the photo that you, @volcanogirl73, posted as the resolution is not large enough (would love to see a larger one if you can send to me). For comparison, the Prinsu rack install walkthroughs I've seen so far show silicon sealant is applied when installing the bolts to the roof. Wondering how OEM racks seal if at all. And while I know there's rubber moulding on the perimeter of the rails, the front part of the rails looks to have some tiny gaps on the moulding where it meets the roof roof rack trim, so I feel water would still get under the rails and onto the bolt area. If the bolts are sealed, then hopefully it won't go further into the car. Thanks for any information you can provide!
(Also, I can't seem to directly message members. Is this option only available to Premium members? Doing a quick search didn't provide any info about it.)
@volcanogirl73 and @CheckA, since you both removed your Wilderness rails, I'm curious if you recall how the eight bolts were sealed into the roof - are there any silicon or rubber gaskets where the bolts were mounted to the roof that keeps water from draining into the bolt holes and inside the car? Or are the bolts embedded on rubber surrounds that end up sealing when the racks bolts are torqued to the roof? It's hard to tell from the photo that you, @volcanogirl73, posted as the resolution is not large enough (would love to see a larger one if you can send to me). For comparison, the Prinsu rack install walkthroughs I've seen so far show silicon sealant is applied when installing the bolts to the roof. Wondering how OEM racks seal if at all. And while I know there's rubber moulding on the perimeter of the rails, the front part of the rails looks to have some tiny gaps on the moulding where it meets the roof roof rack trim, so I feel water would still get under the rails and onto the bolt area. If the bolts are sealed, then hopefully it won't go further into the car. Thanks for any information you can provide!
(Also, I can't seem to directly message members. Is this option only available to Premium members? Doing a quick search didn't provide any info about it.)
I had mine professionally removed and installed the Prinsu rack. There are leftover holes that they put silicone in/around after putting the Prinsu on from the factory rails. I will take a photo of what they look like now if you wish and send it to you directly.
Sorry I didn't see this earlier.
IN case anyone else wants to know. I wasn't sure what you were exactly looking for and excuse the car. It hasn't been washed after my last trip.
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@volcanogirl73 thank you. The close up of the bolts on the older rack is what I was looking for. These are definitely helpful. Thank you for uploading. Mind sending me the full resolution version directly?
Would any Wilderness owners be willing to measure the distance BETWEEN the roof rails near the front and back of the rails? They are not parallel, so assume there's some difference there. I'm trying to determine the optimum cross bar set up. I would greatly appreciate it. Thank you!
UPDATE: I went to a dealer and measured myself. 39 3/4" in front, and 38 3/4" in back.
UPDATE: I went to a dealer and measured myself. 39 3/4" in front, and 38 3/4" in back.
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Here’re some photos. The end of the tape measure was butted against the inside edge of the opposite rails.
Rear:
Front:
Thanks very much for doing that!
I had Wilderness rails installed on my 2023 Touring XT yesterday, and I'm using Thule AeroBlade Edge 7502/3 cross bars. Everything worked out well and I now have a roof top cargo setup that is far more stable and secure than original. The background on this is that my previous 2021 Limited XT had the standard crossbars and cargo box stolen right off the top of the car quite easily as there was no good way of locking the bars to the car.
Note: The gold tie down details I photoshopped black, but have matte black delete vinyl coming in a few days. Or maybe I'll spray paint them. Anyone try that or have a recommendation on painting the anodized gold trim?
I’ve been thinking of doing this. Do you mind sharing the cost? I think parts are around $1k and how much for labor. My local Subaru dealer won’t do it.
I spent about $1k for this. The shop cad my car overnight as it took them 8 hours to do and then the sealer had to set.
the Subaru dealership ordered the rail parts in.
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