What Roof Rack Systems Will Fit on a 2012 VolksWagen Passat With No Roof Hardware  

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Your 2012 VolksWagen Passat 4-door with no existing roof side rails or crossbars can be fitted with a number of rack systems from several makers. All utilize a clamp-style attachment to secure onto your Passat roof even if there is no hardware present on the roof. Please refer to the photo provided.

These various rack systems can be seen using the link provided. They differ primarily in the shape and length of the crossbars, their weight capacity, their spacing when mounted and in the types of accessory items that can easily attach to them. Some include locks while others do not. Elliptical crossbars like the AeroBlade from Thule are typically quieter at highway speeds than round or square bars. You might refer to the linked article as you consider your options.

Your choice of roof rack may best be guided by your intended uses; round and square crossbars, as compared to the elliptical type, offer better compatibility with a wide range of accessories, such as bike, kayak and cargo carriers. Some racks are more likely to require use of same-brand accessories and others may limit your options based on their spread from the front to rear crossbar.
Please note that the different racks will have varying weight capacities; keep in mind that the vehicle roof weight limit specified in your owners manual (or available from a dealership) must be observed even if the rack can handle more weight.

A cost-effective option is the 49-inch crossbar system from RhinoRack, consisting of parts # RRVA126B-2, # RRRLKVA, and # DK323. This system includes locks to secure it to your Passat. I have included a link to our page for roof-mount bike carriers that are compatible with these crossbars, as an example, but a broad range of cargo accessories can work with this system.

expert reply by: Adam R

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