Aerobars and Cargo Box for 2019 Volkswagen Golf SportWagen

Question:

Hello. I have a 2019 Golf Sportwagon for which I’m planning to buy a rack and a cargo box. It has running bars so I’m looking for cross bars and the box. I was hoping to get insight into the differences, in terms of noise and fuel efficiency, between the Malone AirFlow2 and higher end aero bars like RhinoRack or Thule. I’ll be taking the car on a 2 month trip across the country, so efficiency as well as noise are important considerations. I’d love to save money with something like the Malone bars if they’re comprable in this area. But I would definitely consider paying more for a quieter rack.

asked by: Luke

Expert Reply:

Great question, thanks for asking this. The most direct answer to your question of road noise is that it depends on how and what you load on them. That will have greater influence on the flow of air over the top of vehicle than the particular bar itself. But from the options available, my recommendation is theThule WingBar Evo Crossbars # TH711220 mount these with the Evo Raised Rail Feet for Thule Crossbars # TH710401. From customer feedback and product reviews this option helps reduce wind noise relative to others. You may also want to consider the AirScreen XT for Thule Crossbars # TH82WV.

For cargo box, I suggest the Thule Pulse Large Rooftop Cargo Box - 16 cu ft - Matte Black # TH615. This is a 76 x 33 x 16-1/2, aerodynamic, low-profile cargo box with Easy-Grip mounting clamps provide tool-free installation on your crossbars.

expert reply by: Michael R