OEM crossbars and rooftop tents on the SJ

[Knackvers]

I’m looking at putting a darche panorama 1400 on my SJ forester and need to purchase crossbars. The tent weighs 63.5kg.

I like the look of the OEM/Thule crossbars and would appreciate any feedback from anyone with experience with same.

Are the OEM crossbars a good choice for a rooftop tent? I don’t expect to be carrying anything else up there (no kayaks, baskets, etc).

Thoughts/opinions appreciated, thanks.

 

[Kevin]

@Knackvers On the Foz I use Thule square steel bars; can't go wrong with them as they are strong, flat (not curved like some bars) and easy to fit. On the Triton I have Rhino Rack - they are aluminum, I stood on one and it bent, no such problem with the Thule steel. As a side note, use just two bars to avoid any "rocking" / load unevenness which, with 3 bars for example, can lead to issues with the roof rails coming adrift.

 

[Knackvers]

@Knackvers On the Foz I use Thule square steel bars; can't go wrong with them as they are strong, flat (not curved like some bars) and easy to fit. On the Triton I have Rhino Rack - they are aluminum, I stood on one and it bent, no such problem with the Thule steel. As a side note, use just two bars to avoid any "rocking" / load unevenness which, with 3 bars for example, can lead to issues with the roof rails coming adrift.

Thanks Kevin, they look like a good option. I’ve decided against the aero/aluminium variety as I don’t plan on keeping the bars on unless there’s another 30cm of tent anyway, and a fair bit of weight if I can convince someone to join me.

Any recommendations on where to source the bars in Melbourne, Aus? Hard to find prices online.

 

[Kevin]

@Knackvers I've always got my roof top hardware from Roof Rack City; mainly because the elderly gentleman that runs the outlet near me has fantastic knowledge on how to set things up.

 

[mhfoot51]

I've had good outcomes dealing with Roof Carrier Systems in Burke Road, Camberwell.

 

[Knackvers]

Thanks for the recommendations