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

Question

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.

asked by: David H

0

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: Jon G

0

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.

Reply

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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Answer 1

When installing the Ecohitch part #306-X7315 on your 2017 Volkswagen Golf Alltrack there will be fascia trimming required. I attached a picture I took from the instructions that shows where the fascia will need to be trimmed.

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Answer 2

Rhino-Rack Vortex StealthBar Roof Rack #JA7975 will sit about even with the factory raised rails on your 2017 Volkswagen Golf Alltrack. This gives you a nice low-profile look but also gives you a way to measure the height of your open sunroof to…

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Answer 3

The difference between the Class II and Class III hitches has to do with their Gross Trailer Weight (GTW), their Tongue Weight (TW), and their Hitch Receiver Size. Class II trailer hitch receivers have a 1-1/4 inch receiver and can be rated up to…

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Answer 4

A 4-Way trailer connector has the basic lighting functions only; running lights, left turn signal and brake lights, right turn signal and brake lights, and ground. A 7-Way has these functions and a 12 volt circuit, a circuit for electric trailer…

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Answer 5

In order to determine the torque rating for the lug nuts on your trailer you will need to know check out the chart I attached that shows all of the torque specs for all the trailer lugs available based on stud size, wheel material and wheel size.

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Answer 6

Yes, we do. To add a hitch to your 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander, I recommend the Curt Trailer Hitch item #C26VV. This hitch is custom fit and bolts to your Toyota with included hardware. This is a class III hitch with a 2" receiver. It has a…

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Answer 7

Lance does have a proprietary plug, but many customers see a standard 6-way or 7-way round and notice it doesn't fit their factory 7-way as well. I've attached an article to help if you have one of the 7-way or 6-way round connectors which we…

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Answer 8

To add a hitch to your 2024 Toyota RAV4, I recommend the etrailer item #e23ZR. This hitch is custom fit and bolts to your Toyota with included hardware. This is a class III hitch with a 2" receiver. It has a 4,000 lbs towing capacity, and a 600…

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Answer 9

Class I and Class II hitches both have a 1-1/4 inch receiver opening. The difference is that a Class I hitch has a lower tongue weight rating, usually 200 pounds and a lower towing rating, usually 2,000 pounds. A Class II hitch usually has a tongue…

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Answer 10

If you just need a 4-pin to 7-pin trailer wiring adapter, then you can use part #C57672. This will plug into the 4-pin trailer connector on your brother's vehicle and give him the 7-pin socket for the trailer. Keep in mind, this will only give…

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Answer 11

As far as wiring for the 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander, we do have the Curt #C59236 available which is more of a universal hardwire harness. Unfortunately there are not any plug-and-play options that have been confirmed to fit as of yet (October 4,…

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Answer 12

Yep, so long as your 2024 Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness is not a hybrid both the Curt and etrailer hitches will fit: - Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver #C13382 - etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver #e98912 The only difference besides price is the finish; the…

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