Load Extender for Carrying a Sculling Rowing Shell on the Roof of a 2011 Volkswagen Tiguan

Question:

The Tiquan rack only has 31inch from front to back..this is too short to carry a rowing shell for sculling. Do you make some sort of adapter or cantilever rack to extend this rack to 4foot or 5? This rack is too short to prevent rocking up and down while transporting my shell.

asked by: Dick L

Expert Reply:

I do have a solution that should work for carrying the rowing shell on the roof of your 2011 VW Tiguan. It the vehicle has a 2 inch trailer hitch, you can use a Darby Load Extender, # DTA944. This will at the very least give you more stability and a third tie down point. When used in the taller configuration, the upright will be 9-1/2 inches back from the center of the hitch pin hole.

A similar product is the Rhino-Rack T-Load, # RTL002. This product also has load assist features that will help you get the shell on and off of the vehicle roof. Take a look at the video review I have linked for you. Make sure that you also tie down the bow and stern using something like the Yakima Boat and Cargo Strap Tie-Down Kit, # Y04057.

If you needed to add a trailer hitch, you can use Hidden Hitch trailer hitch # 87600. I have included links to the installation instructions and a link to a video showing installation.

expert reply by: Michael H