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How to Carry Bikes on a 2018 Volkswagen Golf Alltrack with a Sunroof  

Published 05/15/2018



Question:

Jon G informed me that all manufacturers recommend no use of a sunroof with crossbars installed. Is the recommendation to not use them a CYA response t orpiment things from falling into the vehicle? If this is the case are there some crossbars that dont physically interfere with sunroof operation and wouldnt cause damage. As the sunroof and bicycle riding go together so perfectly in the summer, please advise as to how best to serve both of these needs compatibly in the warmer weather. Thanks.

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Expert Reply:

Using the JetStream Crossbars # Y00425 along with the TimberLine Towers # Y33TR will be taller than using the Yakima RailBar Crossbars # Y00432-0433 for your 2018 Volkswagen Golf Alltrack but you do need to note that every roof rack manufacturer states that a sun or moon roof should not be used with a roof rack installed.

Roof racks do have some wind noise which the aero style bars, although cause less noise, are not immune from. There is also the issue of clearance as well as possible damage to the roof rack or your sunroof as well. As far as height goes pretty much every roof rack system is going to sit at the same height when they are the same style.

If you do go with the JetStream bars then I also recommend using the Same Key System Lock Cores # Y07204 in the TimberLine Towers to secure your roof rack.

This roof rack system is great for carrying building materials as well as a bike with a bike rack like part # Y02103 or some cargo using a roof box like part # Y07334 or a roof basket like part # Y07070.

expert reply by:
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Jon G
David H. profile picture

David H.

5/15/2018

Jon G informed me that all manufacturers recommend no use of a sunroof with crossbars installed. Is the recommendation to not use them a CYA response t orpiment things from falling into the vehicle? If this is the case are there some crossbars that dont physically interfere with sunroof operation and wouldnt cause damage. As the sunroof and bicycle riding go together so perfectly in the summer, please advise as to how best to serve both of these needs compatibly in the warmer weather. Thanks.

Jon G. profile picture

Jon G.

5/15/2018

I have the perfect solution for you to carry your bike(s) on your 2018 Volkswagen Golf Alltrack with your sunroof down during the warm summer days. Instead of going with a roof mounted option I recommend moving behind your Volkswagen to a trailer hitch. This will not only allow you to freely open your sunroof, but it will also make loading your bike(s) much easier. Please note though that your owner's manual states that VW does not approve of a trailer hitch being installed on your Alltrack. If you do decide to go with a trailer hitch then out of the available trailer hitches for your Golf Alltrack I recommend the EcoHitch # 306-X7315. This installs in such a way that only the receiver is visible for a clean look. The Class III 2" receiver also gives you many more options for accessories. For a great, cost-effective hitch mount bike rack we have the Kuat Beta # B202-2. It is lightweight (12.6 lbs), made of rust-proof aluminum, and comes fully assembled. The close arms reduce the need for an adapter bar and to add locks you simply need the hitch lock # HL2 and cable lock # e98891. If you would like to avoid restricting access to the rear hatch on your Volkswagen then I recommend going with a platform bike rack instead. One of the favorites from Kuat is the Sherpa 2.0. This comes with locks and mounts the bike via the wheels so that there is no frame contact. The tilting feature allows you to access the rear hatch area on your vehicle without unloading your bike(s) while the folding feature gives you extra room at the back of your Volkswagen when you don't have any bikes loaded. The Sherpa 2.0 comes in Gray # SH22G, Black # SH22B, and Pearl # SH22P to match you vehicle. I have attached review videos of the Beta and Sherpa 2.0 for you to reference.

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