[neebsta]

What are the best fitting roof bars for a 3 door up?

I managed to find a genuine VW set for a 3 door, but I’m not keen on the way they fit.

They distort the door rubber quite a lot (See picture)

Do all roof bars cause the same amount of distortion?

 

[markp]

All the ones I have experience of are similar. The Yakima one do not fit the car properly and need pretty much dismantling every time they are fitted. I sent the ones I ordered back. I would use VW original or find somewhere that has Thule that you can see fitted to the car before buying. There is barely any price difference between VW and Thule.

I have VW bars with Thule bike carriers. The Mont Blanc Barracuda bike carriers also fit. You have to be a bit careful with some of the wider aero bars as some accessories will not fit.

 

[lupogtiboy]

Sadly, VW do not supply the 3 door roofbars anymore, no idea why! You may find some online, part number was 1S3 071 126.

 

[neebsta]

Sadly, VW do not supply the 3 door roofbars anymore, no idea why! You may find some online, part number was 1S3 071 126.

I have a set of VW 3 door roof bars 😎 I’m just not keen on the fit. It seems like the fit is standard regardless of roof bar.

The front ones really push out the door rubber.

 

[TheWackyRacer]

I’ve always been loyal to Thule - but not explored a roof rack for my car

 

[markp]

The VW 3 door roof bars are the same as 5 door with the exception of the angled section that grips in the window recess being about 20mm shorter. 3 door will a 5 door but the other way round needs the bracket trimming if you were to go that way.

Personally I would only do that if I could get some cheap enough second hand!

 

[Zdos123]

I have thule roofbars with square bars and it does the same, i don't think there are any roofbars which don't do this, it's a bit annoying but it's ok imo.