Will the Yakima SkyBox NX 16 and Yakima SkyBox 18 Fit on My 2012 Volkswagen GTI with Skis?

Updated 06/29/2021 | Published 06/27/2021

Question:

Hi, I have a VW GTI 2012 with factory roof bar that I use for bike and ski racks using the T shape . As the family is expanding, instead if changing car I figured we could just add a Yakima Skybox Pro/Carbonlite 16 or 18. That being said I have 2 questions: - I have a maximum clearance measurement of 57 and am wondering how one or another would fit best on my VW. - Will I be able to install the Yakima on the factory bar using the supplied clamp? Ideally I’d like to be able to fix my cross country skis that are 207cm length but worst case scenario I can continue to use my ski trap. Thanks,

asked by: Dominic P

Expert Reply:

In order to get the maximum crossbar clearance measurement of 57 inches on top of your 2012 Volkswagen GTI, you will need to place the legs of the front crossbar at the maximum front position that the roof rack allows. As far as the back crossbar, it should be spaced between 24-36 inches from the front crossbar for the SkyBox NX 16 # Y95AV and 24-42 inches for the SkyBox 18 # Y07336. With this spacing, you will be able to open the rear hatch with both of these boxes.

Other dimensions to consider for a fit of the SkyBox 16 and the SkyBox 18 is the dimension of the crossbars themselves. These dimensions determine of the clamps on the bottom of the cargo boxes can attach to the crossbars. The dimesnions of your crossbars must be no wider than 3-1/2 inches and no taller than 1-11/16 inches. To confirm this fitment, I would recommend you measure your crossbars.

As far as your 207cm (81-1/2 inch) skis, you will not have enough internal length to fit the skis in the SkyBox NX 16. Your skis will only fit in the SkyBox 18 # Y07336.

expert reply by: Bob C