Aero-Style Roof Racks for 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan with Factory Roof Rails
Updated 08/14/2018 | Published 08/13/2018
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Question:
Trying to find the quietest roof rack for my new VW Tiguan. Im deciding between the Yakima Jetstream or Flushbar whispbar. How does the Yak Jetstream compare in terms of noise to the whispbar flushbar? Im looking to carry two fork-mount bike carriers up there.
asked by: Rich
Expert Reply:
Aero style roof racks like the Yakima Jetstream, Thule AeroBlade and Rhino-Rack Vortex Aero will definitely create less wind turbulence (and so less noise) than round and square bar racks typically do. For your 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan that has factory-installed roof rails we offer a number of these aero roof rack systems that are shown on the linked page.
Different vehicle's overall shapes and their roof profiles will add variables to the actual pattern of air flow across the bars and so the effective sound level each rack produces is somewhat difficult to categorize. It is kind of tough to say that any one specific aero rack will be quieter than all others on all vehicles under all circumstances. Rest assured that any aero rack will be a good choice as compared to basic bars.
My preference based on appearance, quality and value is the Rhino-Rack Vortex Stealth bar rack in black, part # JA7969. This rack includes locks (many others do not) and it offers a 165-lb weight rating. Also, since the bars terminate in the rack feet the overall appearance is much like an OEM roof rack. We have this in silver too as part # JA7950.
Both of these racks use aero bars with channels in the top that allow mounting accessories in two ways, in the usual wrap-around manner using clamps like the Thule ProRide Roof Bike Rack # TH598004 and also by using bike carriers that offer the channel-mount option. This bike rack happens to offer both mounting options.
