The more, the merrier! This also applies to cargo; the more we can fit in a car, the happier we’ll be. However, there’s no comfort in trying to cram so much luggage into the car that you end up with no leg room.
The Subaru Forester is spacious, but still, it’s not ideal for long family trips. Besides, if you want to bring large items like canoes or surfboards, you’ll have to ship them, which will incur additional costs.
That’s when roof racks come to the rescue, making cargo transport a piece of cake. You no longer have to settle for taking only a part of your belongings or pay extra shipping fees. Thus, we’ve compiled a list to direct you to the best roof rack for Subaru Forester, so let’s get going!
Our Top Picks for the Best Roof Rack for Subaru Forester
1. Best Overall: BougeRV Car Roof Rack
BougeRV did us good creating this roof rack for our Subaru Forester! We appreciate products that strike the ideal balance between price and quality.
The BougeRV roof rack achieves this balance by being both affordable and dependable. This model is compatible with Forester cars manufactured between 2014 and 2022.
This roof rack is made from an aluminum alloy with high-quality plastic base feet, making it an extremely durable accessory. It’s also very light, weighing only 9.23 lbs and carrying a load capacity of 150 lbs.
Additionally, BougeRV optimized the security of this design by including locks on the crossbars, as well as keys for each lock.
The best part is that if you don’t enjoy the installation process roof rack, this model barely has one. It’s super simple to set up and doesn’t require any tools other than the Allen wrench, which is included in the package. It’ll take you no longer than 15 minutes to install.
2. Runner-Up: StayThere Roof Rack
The BougeRV and StayThere roof racks are virtually identical. Both of them provide every feature we consider essential when evaluating a roof rack.
The StayThere model is made from an aluminum alloy and weighs 8.25 lbs with a load capacity of 200 lbs. Its crossbars can be adjusted from 34.5″ to 49.5″, so it’ll fit your Froster like a glove.
This StayThere roof rack, like the BougeRV, has an anti-theft structure. It’s lockable and comes with two keys for each crossbar.
Moreover, this roof rack has rubber strips attached to the top of each crossbar to reduce noise caused by roof racks. To be fair, when we tested the BougeRV, it also made little to no noise.
When it comes to installation, this StayThere model is simple to put together, requiring only the Allen wrench that comes with it.
3. Best Cargo Basket: Wildroad Roof Rack
If you’re going for a roof rack basket for your Froster, this Wildroad model might be just what you’re looking for!
First of all, it’s adjustable, allowing you to assemble it to the size you need. It measures 43″L x 39″W x 6″H without the extension and 64″L x 39″W x 6″H with it. Additionally, it can support weights of up to 150 lbs.
Generally, baskets are an excellent way to increase cargo space. Their design also allows for more tying down points to ensure that all your cargo is securely fastened. However, most baskets, including this one, are made from steel, which is a downside.
Although steel gives the baskets extreme durability, it also makes them quite heavy. This Wildroad roof rack weighs 35.6 lbs, so it takes up a considerable amount of your Forester allowed cargo weight.
Aside from that, this model has a slick front that is designed to minimize wind resistance and, consequently, noise.
Assembling the basket is pretty straightforward, but it’ll take longer than the other roof racks on the list since the basket needs to be assembled. You can mount it on square crossbars up to 4.65″ wide x 1.375″ thick and round bars up to 1.375″ in diameter.
4. Best Budget: MOSTPLUS Roof Rack
This one is for all the money-savvy people out there! The MostPlus roof rack is the most affordable model on our list, but that doesn’t diminish its strength.
This aluminum roof rack weighs 9.13 lbs and can support up to 150 lbs. It’s also surprisingly sturdy, so you won’t have to worry about it bending or anything.
Nonetheless, when compared to the other roof racks mentioned here, this one has a shabby feel to it, whether you look at the paint or the nails.
What’s more, it makes noise when driving at speeds of up to 50 mph. This whistling noise isn’t too loud, but it’s audible when compared to the other models.
Aside from that, it’s extremely easy to install and offers good value for money.
3 Safety Tips for Traveling With a Roof Rack
Before wrapping up, here are three tips to keep in mind after buying a roof rack for your Forester, regardless of model:
1. Stick to the Manual
When it comes time to install your roof rack, pay close attention to the instructions. You could end up with an unstable roof rack if you overlook one detail.
This, in turn, can cause serious consequences, such as losing your cargo or, worse, endangering the safety of others on the road.
2. Don’t Always Leave It There
If you’re not using the roof rack, it’s best to remove it. Roof racks create an aerodynamic drag, which causes your car to use up more energy. As a result, your fuel consumption rises, as do your energy costs.
3. Carry Out Regular Checks
Maintain routine roof rack inspections that include:
- Examining: To detect any cracks or signs of wear that require replacement.
- Lubricating: Use copper grease to protect your roof rack from corrosion.
To Wrap Up
In terms of durability and safety, we believe the BougeRV is the best roof rack for Subaru Forester. However, if you’re looking for something more budget-friendly, we recommend the MostPlus model.
In the end, you can enjoy the additional cargo space as safely as possible with either option. Most importantly, follow the safety precautions we discussed so you can relax during your gateways without worrying about lost luggage!