2011 Subaru Outback Owner's Manual - Page 298

8-14 Driving tips & Roof rails with integrated crossbars (Outback) the maximum load limit. Overloading may cause damage to the vehicle and create a safety hazard. The bars can be used as crossbars. Cargo can be carried after setting the bars as crossbars and installing the genuine SUBARU carrying attachment. When you carry cargo on the roof using the crossbars and a carrying attachment, never exceed the maximum load limit explained in the following. You should also be careful that your vehicle does not exceed the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) and front and rear Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR). For information on loading cargo into or onto your vehicle, refer to "Loading your vehicle" F8-12. The maximum load limit of the cargo and carrying attachment must not exceed the allowable load limit described in the Owner's Manual of a genuine SUBARU carrying attachment. Place the heaviest load at the bottom, nearest the roof, and evenly distribute the cargo. Always properly secure all cargo. 1) Integrated crossbars ! Installing carrying attachments on the crossbars When installing any carrying attachment such as a bike carrier, ski carrier, kayak carrier, cargo basket, etc. on the crossbars, follow the manufacturer's instructions and make sure that the attachment is securely fixed to the crossbars. Use only genuine SUBARU attachments. A set of the crossbars is designed to carry loads (cargo and attachment) of not more than the allowable load limit described in the Owner's Manual of a genuine SUBARU carrying attachment. Before operating the vehicle, make sure that the cargo is properly secured on the attachment. CAUTION . For cargo carrying purposes, the bars must be used as crossbars and be used together with the genuine SUBARU carrying attachment. The bars must never be used alone to carry cargo. Otherwise, damage to the roof or paint or a dangerous road hazard due to loss of cargo could result. . When using the bars as crossbars, make sure that the total weight of the carrying attachment and cargo does not exceed NOTE . Remember that the vehicle's center of gravity is altered with the weight of the load on the roof, thus affecting the driving characteristics. Drive carefully, avoid rapid starts, hard cornering and abrupt stops. Crosswind effects will be increased. . Restore the bars to the original position when the bars are not used as crossbars.