Roof Rack Fit for 2013 Volkswagen Touareg With Roof Rails and Sun Roof

Published 11/13/2017

Products Featured in This Question

Rhino-Rack Vortex Aero Crossbars - Aluminum - Black - 49" Long - Qty 2

(2759)

$230.20

Rhino-Rack SX Series Legs for Sportz Crossbars - Raised Factory Side Rails - Qty 4

(496)

$299.99

Thule One-Key System Lock Cylinders - Qty 4

(787)

$74.95

Evo Raised Rail Feet for Thule Crossbars - Factory Raised Rails - Qty 4

(227)

$264.95

Thule WingBar Evo Crossbars - Aluminum - Silver - 53" Long - Qty 2

(1280)

$279.95

Thule WingBar Evo Crossbars - Aluminum - Black - 53" Long - Qty 2

(1280)

$279.95

Question:

I can't justify buying universal fit mounts as an engineer I prefer something more purpose built. The crossbar looks great, but mounts look terrible.

asked by: John D

Expert Reply:

There is definitely a solution for you, though it could be that you have a sun roof and not a moon roof. This matters in terms of fit, because a moon roof slides into a cavity in the roof and does not extend above it, while a sun roof generally does extend above it. Due to this, the rack you mentioned, Rhino Rack # RRVA126B-2 and # RRSX022, would not work for your 2013 Volkswagen Touareg because the rack should not be used with vehicles that have a sun roof. Additionally, each of the Yakima racks we have as fits for your Touareg say that the sun roof should always remain closed when the rack is installed, which explains the issue you were having.

A replacement rack that will work for you is one of the best available, the Thule WingBar # TH711420 (Black) OR # TH711400 (Silver) and Evo Raised Rail Feet for Thule Crossbars # TH710401. This rack system is extremely quiet due to its aero design and WindDiffuser technology, have integrated T-slots. In order to lock the rack to your VW, you would want the Thule One-Key Cylinders # TH450400.

expert reply by: Kyle S

click to enlarge

John

11/13/2017

I can't justify buying universal fit mounts as an engineer I prefer something more purpose built. The crossbar looks great, but mounts look terrible.

Kyle S.

11/13/2017

The mounts for your '13 Touareg that will work with your factory side rails are universal mounts that attach to those rails, the Evo Raised Rail Feet for Thule Crossbars # TH710401. They are shown in the third picture and you can see how they grab the rails to secure to your Touareg.