Roof Rack Recommendation for a 2014 Volkswagen Jetta SportWagen with Sunroof

Question:

Hello,I have a 2014 Jetta SportWagen with Sunroof. I would like to install a roof rack primarily for bikes that will still allow my sunroof to open. Looking for proper clearance, but also for something that will keep wind noise to a minimum when I want to pop open the sunroof.What product would you guys reccomend? Thanks

asked by: Grant

Expert Reply:

Roof Rack manufacturers do not typically test their roof racks for sunroof interference, but after doing a little research on the sunroof on the 2014 Volkswagen Jetta Sportwagen, I recommend choosing a roof rack that sits above the factory side rails. When the sunroof is retracted, it comes pretty close to the same height as the side rails.

The roof rack I recommend is the Thule WingBar Roof Rack. This roof rack consists of the Thule WingBars, # TH711200 in silver or # TH711220 in black, and the Evo raised rail feet, part # TH710401. The WingBars are some of the quietest load bars on the market. The feet and crossbars sit above the side rails, so they will not interfere with the sunroof.

I do not recommend using the sunroof when you have accessories such as bike racks or cargo carriers mounted. The mounting brackets for the accessories could hang low enough to contact the sunroof as it opens.

expert reply by: John H