Get a hitch

 

Bikes on the roof of a Touareg should not be an issue. It doesn't sit that high unless you are height challenged and ride heavy bikes. I used to put bikes on the roof of my Explorer and it was about the same height as the Treg. I don't do a roof rack on my Treg for bikes since I have a hitch and had a hitch rack left over from when I was driving a Lincoln Navigator. Get your mounts and put them on the roof. Probably cheaper then getting a hitch although you have the hitch rack already.

 

I believe it's Yakima

Maybe you don't have to do it "right"
I added an aftermarket Curt hitch for about $230. The majority of the $700 cost comes from wiring it. I didn't. I have no use for it. If you don't plan on towing (which you don't cause you didn't get the factory towing package), get the hitch!

 

Thanks.
The oem hitch and controller method will set me back close to $800 and that's if I install it all myself.
The cross bars and 2 barracuda carriers are about $600
I thought about the curt wi no wiring....at about $200 it's definitely the cheapest way to go. Just not really sure about an aftermarket hitch. Plus, if I do get a hitch it would be nice for it to be functional beyond the bike carrying.

 

I have Thule cross bars and Thule bike racks that I used on my JGC, and was quite happy. I'm quite tall (6'7"), so putting the bikes up wasn't a problem, and I expect the Treg will be about the same (haven't actually tried it yet). I did open the doors and stand on the door sill to adjust and lock everything down, but didn't need a step to set the bikes up there. Never tried one of the hitch carriers - they do look more convenient to use.

 

I use both. I'm 5'8" and keep a small step stool to help. I can put bikes up there without it but I do risk scratching the roof. The Yakima Whisper Bars are quite nice:

20111109 TReg Roof Rails - herothedog's Photos

 

Noob question

So - seems like an obvious answer, but just want to check to make sure I'm not totally mis-understanding how to attach a rack system (never done before).

You use the OEM roof rails - and then the purchased Thule/Yak equipment attaches across/between the OEM rails, yes? You don't have to mess about with removing the OEM stuff, yes?

 

So - seems like an obvious answer, but just want to check to make sure I'm not totally mis-understanding how to attach a rack system (never done before).

You use the OEM roof rails - and then the purchased Thule/Yak equipment attaches across/between the OEM rails, yes? You don't have to mess about with removing the OEM stuff, yes?

What year Treg and what OEM rack are you referring to, basket handle bars or the front to back rails? Hard to advise you not knowing what you are dealing with as a base.

 

Thule Towers and Bars for Sale

I just traded my 2005 for a 2012. The base towers (feet) and crossbars for the '05 do not fit the '12 so I am interested in selling them for a bargain. The towers fit into the channels on the roof of the '05.

 

I just traded my 2005 for a 2012. The base towers (feet) and crossbars for the '05 do not fit the '12 so I am interested in selling them for a bargain. The towers fit into the channels on the roof of the '05.

I bet if you remove the rails on the 12 there is a track there similar to what was on your 05. It is just a matter of how much you like those rails or not. OP is looking at the same year as you for a new Treg, so he may not be interested in that rack unless he wants to remove the rails as well to look for a track under them. I only got this from another thread he posted in.

 

Thanks. The '12 roof rails are 44" c-c while the '05 tracks were 38" c-c. My old Thule crossbars are 42" so they are too short for the new T-Reg

 

Thanks. The '12 roof rails are 44" c-c while the '05 tracks were 38" c-c. My old Thule crossbars are 42" so they are too short for the new T-Reg

You can buy just the bars if you need to. I did that when I went from my Explorer to a Touareg. I am still using the same towers.

 

For what it's worth I really like the Thule system. I'm not using it on the Touareg since I have it set up on my Forrester. I like the fact that Thule makes all the parts you need to set it up on any vehicle. When you get it done post some pictures.

 

I agree the Thule system is really solid and I left it on the roof of the 05 year round. I also have a hitch mount Saris 2 bike carrier that works on the Beetle. I bought a 2" to 1.25" reducer sleeve that fits into the hitch receiver on the 12 so I can use it. Over all the years, I have always had some apprehension about carrying my Pinarellos on either the roof or the rear. Definitely more aero on the rear (or inside). Unfortunately, there isn't enough height clearance inside for my bikes to stand upright, without removing the seat post. One way or another, I will probably invest in the Thule system that best fits the new roof rails and sell the old bars and towers. thanks.

 

You can't go wrong with either Thule or Yakima. I am a Yakima fan myself, but both are good racks.