Anyone out there use the OEM roof rack for anything?? I'd like to get a cargo basket for mine for occassional use. Subaru has their OEM basket and both Yakima and Thule offer baskets. I inquired at Thule to find out what exactly was needed....their reply:
"Sorry, we cannot recommend
attaching boxes or baskets directly to the factory rack of the 2000
Subaru Outback Sport as the factory rack didn't pass our safety
testing. Thank you."
This may be a bunch of BS so my question is has anyone used the OEM rack for anything??

I haven't heard back from Yakima yet but their basket looks exactly like the OEM one.

Phil

Phil,

I'm not sure how to answer your question - does "anything" mean actually carrying stuff? I use mine to carry skis, snowboards, bikes, and even a longboard sailboard sometimes.

Thule's response seems a bit odd, although I wouldn't be surprised if the Subaru rack breaks off during an accident. Especially if there is 80 lbs of stuff contained in a Thule box attached to it. But I'd expect most factory and aftermarket racks to fare just as poorly.

-WaC
Wayne

From what I have always seen and heard, all of the rack manufacturers (Thule, Yakima, Saris [don't get Saris]) have the opinion that a factory rack can't support more then 50-100 lbs. Of course, their rack with accessories can support a spare Ford Expedition.http://www.i-club.com/ubb-files/smilies/rolleyes.gif

I am somewhat skeptical about the engineering/marketing ratio on this. I just wish that car manufacturers would give a real factory crossbar option (or at least the outstanding mounting method on the new VW's). Given the number of Subaru's used for outdoorsey things like kayaking and biking, I think it would make sense...

Unfortunately, I think the only real options are to live with the factory roof rack with its limitations or spend some money for a nice Yakima/Thule setup (feet, mounts, bars, bike/kayak/basket stuff) that completely replaces the Subaru stuff.

Regarding the factory rack:
After replacing one side rail on mine, I think the "over 100 lbs" rule is somewhat pessimistic (very sturdy anchors) but understandable, since no warning to that effect would leave the manufacturers open to suit whenever some bozo locked up his brakes and flipped a 300 lb cast-iron bath-tub he was carrying through somebody's windshield!http://www.i-club.com/ubb-files/smilies/blackeye.gif

I have a "basket case" from a previous Yakima purchase and will not hesitate to mount it to my factory rack and carry whatever I need to carry (within reason). I understand that all Factory accessories for this rack are Yakima parts. Granted, I wouldn't try to carry a canoe or kayak, simply because I wouldn't want to risk roof damage! The rail mounts of the aftermarket bar/tower setups place the majority of the weight and stress on the sturdier outside frame-rails of the car structure. They do, however, look very utilitarian , and not complimentary to the lovely lines of my GT!!http://www.i-club.com/ubb-files/smilies/biggrin.gif

<FONT face="Comic Sans MS">Glenn O</FONT f>