Looking for thoughts on roof rack accessories

Raffros997TT · Jun 5, 2022

I have a 2016 TDI with roof rails. I'm taking a trip and looking to throw bikes on the roof. I plan to borrow a set of OEM racks from a friend and looking for ideas on what bike racks work with the OEM roof racks. I know the OEM VW bike racks will work, but any other ideas? Also, how many bikes could I get up top on the OEM racks? I'm planning on bringing 2 adult bikes and at least one kids bike, possibly two but I may just rent one for my 6 year old since he's outgrown his current ride. Thoughts from the experts out there?

Thanks all!

Viking Lady · Jun 5, 2022

Hi raffros997tt

I have had good luck buying online from etrailers and from rack attack. they both have search based on your vehicle and your needs. Although I went with crossbars and a cargo box myself, they do have bike carriers that might fit your needs.

Raffros997TT · Jun 5, 2022

I assume any bike carrier using a t-slot design will work?

Viking Lady · Jun 5, 2022

I opted for Malone AirFlow 2 crossbars. they do have ability to take those T-Slot parts for bikes, canoes, etc. They are quiet and do not interfere with my sunroof. They have key locks which helps a bit with security.
My post about crossbars and cargo box etc

Viking Lady · Jun 5, 2022

check out the various options online for bikes and how many would fit on your crossbars. You may need wider crossbars to meet your needs. I know the ones that I bought do come in wider sizes and they are adjustable to fit your factory rails.
there are 2 styles as well, depending on if your rails are flush or raised.

Raffros997TT · Jun 5, 2022

Is there any advantage of the Malone bars over the VW OEM bars? My key priority is not to interfere with the pano roof.

I checked out a few sites and found some t-slot options for bike carriers - they seem a little pricey but I'll continue to look. Thanks for your help!!

Viking Lady · Jun 5, 2022

Etrailer and rack attack have good prices and usually free delivery by ups freight in usa.
i like that Malone AirFlow 2 crossbars come in different lengths and universal fit. So if you need wider space to fit all your bikes etc get the wider ones. Adjust the spacing to what you need too. Price was great too compared to Thule, Yakima, etc brands. AND they are quiet which is important to me since I like to have my sunroof open. I did shop around online and found etrailers and rack attach to have the best sale prices at this time (5-2022) I would suspect that their bike hardware would be on sale these days too. It pretty much boils down to needs and budget for me.
please do post photos of whatever set up you end up using.

Raffros997TT · Jun 6, 2022

I think I might be switching gears and using a hitch-mounted rack now. We found someone to watch the dog for us so we'll not need to use the hitch mount cargo box.

But I'm still interested in ironing this out. I appreciate the help.....now if only you can lower diesel prices!! LOL

Viking Lady · Jun 6, 2022

I would lower diesel prices when you lower premium gasoline prices.

Doggie not going on adventure?? My dog always rides in his carseat as my co-pilot. I did have to buy a smaller kennel to fit the Thule cargo box - but he is fine with that LOL. His kennel is hos bedroom everywhere we go. LOL

TommiT · Jun 6, 2022

Dog picture required!

Raffros997TT · Jun 6, 2022

My "pup" is 11.5 yrs old with weakening hips. We've always taken him with us but it's difficult now with his age/health and having two kids in tow. It's an 8+ hour drive too.

Viking Lady · Jun 6, 2022

my co-pilot and best friend Misha. He is a 3 year old 6 pound Russian Toy breed of dog.

Raffros997TT · Jun 6, 2022

Cute dog!!
Much easier to tote a toy with you then a 65 pounder!!

SaVAGeSoot · Jun 6, 2022

My golden doodle will do long drives as long as I let him drink after to "relax"

Bikeyaker · Jun 8, 2022

A hitch rack is my preferred way to carry bikes, if you have a hitch of course. You won’t have much fun getting the bikes on and off the roof and you also have clearance issues to work with.
On the other hand, a 3-4 bike hitch carrier can add a lot of length to the back.
I had to install an aftermarket hitch, but the hitch plus 2 bike rack ended up being cheaper than roof options.

Raffros997TT · Jun 8, 2022

Yes I've seen that roof options are way overpriced. Not sure of the logic behind that.

I have a StowAway max swing away hitch mounted cargo box that sticks out pretty far. But I think the 3-4 bike rack may go further. I considered trying to fabricate a bike mount for the box lid but it's too much weight for it. But the pooch is staying home so that solves the storage problem.

C-ya · Jun 8, 2022

I have a 4-bike rack that we used Memorial Day weekend 2021. Worked great.

Anti-bounce bracket installed.

I went with a cheap cargo basket and cheap cross bars on top since the bike rack took the place of the hitch-mounted cargo carrier.

Raffros997TT · Jun 8, 2022

I found a Thule hitch rack with a built in stabilizer that wasn't too expensive - at least compared with roof mounts. I'll prob go with that.

C-ya · Jun 8, 2022

My rack was an ebay open box special. I think I paid $55 for it. Nothing wrong with it at all.

Raffros997TT · Jun 8, 2022

I've had 2 bad experiences with eBay and probably won't go back. I was also not on it enough to know who to buy from either - maybe I'll check it out for this though. Thanks

C-ya · Jun 12, 2022

I found this one on Amazon:. https://a.co/fe9WfFu

C-ya · Jun 12, 2022

@Viking Lady I bought a separate stability clamp for my hitch carrier. I agree about the zero reviews. I found that one the app on my phone so I didn't notice that it had no reviews.

https://smile.amazon.com/MaxxHaul-5..._wg=63sE9&pd_rd_r=791b74ac-70d0-4dcb-ae55-53a8664d72fe&pd_rd_i=B07JDD8L3H&psc=1

Looking for thoughts on roof rack accessories

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