Rhino-Rack Roof Rack Fit on 2017 VW Golf Alltrack with Panoramic Roof

Updated 09/23/2020 | Published 09/22/2020

Products Featured in This Question

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

(2756)

$237.87

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

(496)

$299.99

Rhino-Rack Vortex Aero Crossbars - Aluminum - Black - 46" Long - Qty 2

(2756)

$239.98

Question:

Hi, Im looking for cross bars for my 2017 VW Golf Alltrack. I prefer crossbars that are 1 aero for minimal noise and 2 compatible with my panoramic roof - allow me to open the roof with the cross bars on. Im not particular about brand but I am looking at Rhino Racks VORTEX STEALTHBAR 2 and VORTEX SX, which both show up as being compatible with my car - but I am uncertain about whether they allow use of the roof. Could you help me out? Thanks!

asked by: Margaret

Expert Reply:

Rhino Rack as well as other roof rack manufacturers like Thule and Yakima will all state that their rack systems can be used on vehicles with the panoramic roof, but also make a blanket statement that the roof should NOT be opened with the rack in place.

The risk typically comes into play not from the rack itself, but from the attachment mechanism for accessories mounted on the roof rack, but because replacing a broken roof is expensive, they just state that the roof shouldn't be used while the rack is installed on the vehicle. Therefore, I'd avoid using the roof with the racks in place.

I routinely recommend Rhino Rack products because they're high in quality but typically less expensive than some of the better known names like Thule and Yakima. If clearance to the roof is a concern, I'd recommend a bar system where the crossbar sits atop the roof rails like the Rhino Rack Vortex SX, as opposed to a StealthBar system where the crossbar sits between the roof rails and sits at about the same height as the side rails.

For your 2017 Golf Alltrack, I'd recommend the following parts, which make up the Vortex SX rack:

46 Inch Vortex Aero crossbars, part # RRVA118B-2

SX Series Roof Rack Feet, part # RRSX022

I've linked to a product demonstration video featuring the Rhino Rack Vortex SX roof rack.