Awnings

[Tumbleweed]

Looking at 180* awning to attach to the roof rack rails on 2014 Outback. Anyone have advice on this or pictures?

 

[Cellar-Dave22]

Did you end up mounting the awning or still deciding on the setup? I've seen a few installs on older Outbacks using brackets off Yakima or Thule crossbars. The rail spacing and weight rating are key. Some 180 degree awnings need reinforcement if you're going for a full pullout. Also curious if you're looking at soft rollouts or 1 of the hard shell fold out styles. Let us know what direction you took if you sorted it out.

 

[jcoal28]

Buddy of mine got a 180degrees awning on his , mounted directly to the factory roof rails using L-brackets and some reinforcement plates. It works great. I suggest though you make sure your awning isnt too heavy for the rails, some models push the limit. I think he also added a couple of extra tie-down points for windy days. If you can, go for a model with quick release mounts, it makes removal way easier.

 

[back.out]

Mount the awning directly to the roof rack crossbars rather than the side rails for better stability and make sure your mounting brackets are rated for both the awning weight and wind load. Are you thinking of a stick
style or roll out awning?

 

[inez_f]

Worth checking whether the mounting brackets fit the stock 2014 crossbars before you buy — a lot of awnings are sized for aftermarket aero rails and wont sit right on OEM bars without adapter hardware. Wrote a deeper breakdown of the fitment issue and a few specific awnings that work nicely with factory crossbars: https://haulandtrail.com/overlanding-camping/180-degree-awning-subaru-outback-roof-rack-guide/