How much weight can you place on the roof rack of the impreza outback sport first gen?

The rack specifies no more than 100lb evenly distributed. I've had 2 sheets of 3/4" ply and a dozen 2x4s on the roof before; nearly 150lbs without issue.

thanks!

The speed and wind resistance is going to come into play here...Ie, hauling something at 25MPh is a lot less than freeway speed. Don't turn your Subaru into a sailboat.

yah I was gonna say, I've stood on the roof of my OB, but I wouldnt drive down the road with 180 lbs on the roof.

Hauled a 17' glue lam beam 12" x 5.5" over 100 miles on the freeway on the Legacy Outback. Road as nice as could be.

 

Have had 15 sheets of 1/2 OBS on top in town.

 

2 washer dryer sets, one machine on top, 3 inside.

 

As long as you have it strapped down well and don't drive crazy you're OK.

 

Of course plenty of stopping distance between you and the next car is wise.

The roof construction is very strong. The pillars can even hold the weight of the car when rolled over. The biggest problem is center of gravity, keep it as low as possible. So if only on top of the roof something heavy is placed I would also place some heavy things on the rear seats to lower the center of gravity.

200 lbs with easy driving should not be any problem.

heres a tip if you pull down the roof liner and glue all the seams with winshied urathane then fill all the spaces with expanding foam will make the roof way tougher and less vibrations

Well was just looking at transporting a small 80lb boxed chest freezer about 1 mile at 35ish mph so sailboat shouldnt be a prob.

100lbs is just a very safe suggestion. I've put hundreds and hundreds of lbs on the roof rack and never had an issue. Don't drive like ken block and you won't flip over.

Don't be a general moron on the road, use common sense, and you'll be fine.