Will Installing Rhino Rack Cross Bars On 2012 VW Jetta SportWagen Interfere with Sunroof

Question:

2012 volkswagen jetta sportwagen: will this roof rack hinder my sunroof operation?

asked by: Jim M

Expert Reply:

I spoke with my contacts at Rhino Rack regarding your question about the crossbar system interfering with your sunroof. I was told that because the side rails on your SportWagen extend the full length of the vehicle roof, that the crossbars can be moved around so that they will not interfere. They tell me it would be safe to assume that the bars would interfere if they are placed directly over the sun roof.

The bottom of the cross bars will sit about 3/4 of an inch above the top of your side rails. To determine if the sun roof would interfere, take a straight piece of lumber like a 2x4 and draw a line parallel to the length of the board about 3/4 inches in from the edge. You can then place the board across your side rails and slide it toward the sun roof while it is open. If the tallest edge of the open sun roof is taller than the mark on the 2x4, then you know that the cross bar will interfere if placed near the sun roof (see photo).

Any curvature of the roof will throw this off, but it will give you a rough idea.

I have linked you to an install video showing these bars being installed on your vehicle.

expert reply by: Mike L