Rhino-Rack Roof Rack Fit on 2017 VW Golf Alltrack with Panoramic Roof
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.
Products Referenced in This Question
Rhino-Rack SX Series Legs for Vortex Aero Crossbars - Raised Factory Side Rails - Qty 4
- Roof Rack
- Feet
- 4 Pack
- Rhino Rack
more information >
Rhino-Rack Vortex Aero Crossbars - Aluminum - Black - 46" Long - Qty 2
- Roof Rack
- Crossbars
- Aero Bars
- 46 Inch Bar Space
- 2 Bars
- Overhang
- Black
- Rhino Rack
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Rhino-Rack Vortex Aero Crossbars - Aluminum - Black - 49" Long - Qty 2
- Roof Rack
- Crossbars
- Aero Bars
- 49 Inch Bar Space
- 2 Bars
- Overhang
- Black
- Rhino Rack
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Shop: Roof Rack
- Shop: Evo Raised Rail Feet for Thule Crossbars - Factory Raised Rails - Qty 4
- Q&A: What is the Total Height of the Rhino-Rack Roof Rack for Thule and Yakima Tracks?
- Q&A: What Are the Lowest-Profile Rhino-Rack Crossbars that Fit on My 2018 Ford F-150?
- Q&A: Recommended Rooftop Cargo Bag for Crossbars on a 2019 Toyota RAV4
- Q&A: Height Comparison of Rhino-Rack and Thule Roof Racks on 2017 Subaru Forester with Raised Side Rails
- Q&A: Height Comparison of Rhino-Rack and Thule Roof Racks on 2022 Subaru Outback with Raised Side Rails
- Q&A: Comparing Rhino-Rack, Thule and Yakima Low Profile Cross Bars For a 2023 Subaru Outback Wilderness
- Article: Roof Rack Information
- Article: Whispbar QuickDock Compatibility with Non-Whispbar Roof Racks
- Shop: Thule WingBar Evo Crossbars - Aluminum - Black - 53" Long - Qty 2
- Shop: Thule WingBar Edge Crossbar - Aluminum - Silver - 34" Long - Qty 2
- Shop: Rhino-Rack SX Series Legs for Vortex Aero Crossbars - Raised Factory Side Rails - Qty 4
- Search Results: roof rack
- Q&A: How Much Height Will Rhino-Rack Vortex Aero Bar Roof Rack Add to the Top of 2015 Ford F-150
- Shop: Curt Roof Rack for Raised Side Rails - Aluminum - Black - 53-3/8" Long
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Article: Rooftop Cargo Carriers
- Shop: Rhino-Rack Vortex Aero Crossbars - Aluminum - Black - 49" Long - Qty 2
- Video: Rhino-Rack ROC25 Naked Roof Roof Rack Review
- Search Results: rhino rack
- Video: Thule WingBar Evo Crossbars Review
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Article: 5 Things to Know About Weight Distribution Hitches
- Shop: Rhino-Rack Roof Rack for Thule and Yakima Tracks - 2 Heavy-Duty Crossbars - Black - 65" Long
- Article: How to Choose the Right Trailer Hitch Class
- Video: Thule WingBar Edge Crossbars Review
- Search Results: crossbars
- Shop: Suspension Enhancement
- Search Results: thule roof rack