Recommendations to Add Cargo Space to a 2013 Volkswagen Passat

Question:

We just purchased our Passat and need extra storage with two small kids, one on the way, ane two small dogs. We need to know if your roof racks are good or bad for our Passat. We dont want to cause any damage but are really interested. Please need truthful advice about your products. And do you also sell the storage containers that go on the racks? If so, which do you recommend, soft or hard top?

asked by: Tish H

Expert Reply:

Indeed there are roof cargo carrying solutions for your 2013 Volkswagen Passat, you have several options:

As a first step, you would need crossbars such as the Yakima Q Tower System. To obtain a complete set you need to order the following: # Y00425 Crossbars, # Y28TR Feet, and then both Fit Kit # Y06195 and # Y06196.

With the crossbars installed you can then look in several directions.

If you would like a soft sided cargo bag, check out the Rightline 15 cubic foot # RL100S20. With the newness of your vehicle, I would recommend the Non-Skid Protection Pad # RL100650 which creates a level of protection between your vehicle and cargo bag to prevent possible scratching from grit that works its way in between the bag and your roof.

The advantage to the cargo bag is the flexibility of being able to pack varied luggage with the disadvantage being that the crossbar spread on your vehicle being 32 inches, all of the good sized cargo bags will slightly hang over the crossbars, which is only a cosmetic problem, but, it needs to be taken into consideration.

The next step would be to look at roof cargo baskets such as the Rhino-Rack XTray Pro Cargo Basket and 2 Bike Carrier - Steel - 58-1/4" x 41" - 165 lbs # RRRMCB03. With this basket on your vehicle, you can then either use it with the Righline # RL100E20 soft sided carrier, or without any carrier, just luggage.

If you are looking for a hard shell cargo carrier that will fit on your crossbars, I have found the Yakima RocketBox Pro 14 # Y07192 to be a good value. It is popular with Passat owners and is a good mid-priced option. A couple of features are that it can open from either side and also includes a lock on the box with two keys. The disadvantage to a hard shell is the inability to pack varied size luggage.

One important issue that definitely needs to be taken into consideration is the weight limit for the roof of your vehicle. The capacity limit should be listed in your owners manual, or would be available from your VW dealer.

I realize there is a lot of information here, and if you have additional questions, just reply to this e-mail and we can work through them.

I have attached a few short videos for you of the RightLine Cargo Bag, Rola Cargo Basket, and the Yakima Roof Rack system.

Finally, you may want to check out the Wheel Mount Tire Step # HE4040 for when you are loading your roof, the additional height may help.