i was trying to install my Thule snowboard carrier on my factory crossbars last night and was not able to. i purchased a fatmouth (clips) and a 6-ski/4-snowboard carrier according to the make/model car that i have (impreza wrx wagon with factory crossbars).

i attached the fatmouth to the carrier in the designated holes with the screws provided. for some reason, the fatmouth is set too wide for my rear crossbars. the crossbars have this wider piece at the ends.

what do i do? anyone have any ideas?

 

Sorry, I might not be too much help. I've only installed Yakima racks which have clip that is split and spreads apart over the crossbar then bolts into the carrier. I believe the factory crossbars have a taper to them, hopefully your clips match up to them, unless something changed with the newer cars, mine are older.

-Adam

 

I have a funny feeling that I may need to get a Yakima rack instead. I heard the factory rack from subaru is yakima... i'm going to bring it to REI, where i purchased my Thule rack and see what they say or if they can take a look.

 

yeah, your best bet would be to take it back to where you got the rack from and see if they can help you. It is possible the new model isn't in their system yet.

 

went to REI last night. the guy checked out my car and measured the crossbars. it's 26 inches across. the rack with the clamps measure 27 inches. he said i can try the yakima rack. but i'm going to call Thule first and see what they say. i checked their website and for my car with factory rack, it indicated all the parts i needed...which are the parts that i got!

i may just have to take the factory crossbars off and get the thule ones instead.

EDIT: so i called thule customer support. they said the 6-ski carrier does not fit the subaru factory crossbars. then why is it listed in their book and website? and yakima doesn't have racks out yet for the 2006 subarus. =(

 

screw the rack, just go find yourself a good sherpa

 

are you offering your services?

 

Yes, but I only work for beer and performance parts. Also, I take a lot of brakes, and insist on being in control of the CD player.


On a related note however, I do believe there's a factory snowboard holder that connects to the factory crossbars. Or you could just fold the stupid seats down.