Roof Rack for Thule Summit Rooftop Cargo Box on 2012 VW Passat

Question:

Im trying to mount an old Thule Summit onto my 2012 VW Passat. The kits Thule now sales supposedly square arms only work with the Summit provide a max bar spread of 27.5inch and indicate the rack can only hold 88 lbs, including the box. Are there other rack systems that can hold more weight and be able to have the Summit mounted? It seems the U bar mounts could slide over non square bar racks as well. Thanks for any advice

asked by: Martin T

Helpful Expert Reply:

The roof racks we offer for the 2012 VW Passat sedan do have varying weight ratings, from 100-lbs to 165-lbs, and you can see all on the linked page. The one I recommend is the Rhino-Rack Vortex black bar rack made of parts # RRVA126B-2, # RRRLKVA and # DK323. This great looking rack has the quiet aero bars and the maximum 165-lb weight rating. This rack will have nearly a 30-inch bar spread which will give excellent stability for the cargo box.

The Thule Summit 91-inch roof cargo box can use their QM3 mounting hardware, kit # TH04997.

expert reply by: Adam R