Outback Yakima Basket

GatorEgg

 In our search for an Outback to purchase we've come to the question of why is the Yakima basket mounted backwards on most of the trailers we see?  The solid black area is the wind deflector.  It is there to deflect the wind up and over the items in the basket.  Do all dealers put it on backwards for a reason?  Maybe as a spoiler as in a 1970's muscle car to keep the rear down at speed?  Maybe some other reason?  Thanks.

NHCraig

Just a guess, but the basket was designed to be mounted on a car top in a horizontal position.  At the angle on the rear slope of an Outback, having the spoiler in front might actually catch more air and make it less aerodynamic.

GatorEgg

NHCraig said:

Just a guess, but the basket was designed to be mounted on a car top in a horizontal position.  At the angle on the rear slope of an Outback, having the spoiler in front might actually catch more air and make it less aerodynamic.

We've seen it mounted correctly and though a slighter angle it still does angle up to properly deflect up and over.   Just wondering if there's a reason we're not seeing.

ScottG

Maybe that configuration helps keep smaller cargo items from sliding out the bottom of the basket.

I seriously doubt airflow dynamics were a major factor in the decision, but what do I know. If you are so inclined, flip the basket around and see if your gas mileage improves!  :-)

Jaxie985

The wind deflector can easily be moved to the forward rail on the basket—although a ladder is needed. I’m going to move mine. i’m mounting a bike rack next to it so will have the ladder out anyhow. 

targ

Which reminds me...
Has anyone ever seen a rooftop box mounted on the rack instead of the basket?  There are a couple threads that talk about doing it, but I can't find a picture of anyone doing it.

Cbusguy

In our research the roof rack and basket are pretty pointless with only 150 pound rating and part of that being sucked up by the weight of the basket and tire 

I am not sure I would trust even a poly kayak or canoe......ended up scratching it off our list

@targ I looked into it and the roof boxes can weigh 30 pounds on their own and I am not sure about the funny angle the wind would be catching it.   
That was initally our thought to put a box on it.    But with the funny angle everything will pile on the bottom and you will probably need a ladder to load it.    Don't know if it will work safely or not

jgram2

I believe I’ve seen a maximum of 75# for cargo in the Yakima. We still carry our spare there, then some camp chairs and a rug. As stated, the box itself would eat up much of that 75#.

4ncar

jgram2 said:

I believe I’ve seen a maximum of 75# for cargo in the Yakima. We still carry our spare there, then some camp chairs and a rug. As stated, the box itself would eat up much of that 75#.

Yakima states 100#, Nucamp states 75# due to mounting method. My tire is still there, a trenching shovel and two bikes. I adjust for the added tail weight by loading other items inside trailer forward of the axel, along with 12 additional gallons of drinking water & my tool box on the front mounted outrigger. My tongue weight comes in around 210-220#.

napjerk

We bought a 320 S and bought the basket separately and installed it ourselves so the wind deflector is on the top. 

GatorEgg

This is a result of the Yakima basket being mounted backwards.  The water pools in the fairing/bar, bar rusts out, drains rust water on the back of trailer.