FAQ: Thule Roof Racks for MK2

[the wayfarer]

I have found that every couple of weeks there is a question regarding roof racks. I work for a Thule dealer and consider myself knowledgeable about their car rack systems.

Thule developed a specific rack system that will fit Jettas, Golfs, and the 3 door GTI. This also includes the Jetta coupe as well.

The model #305(pictured blow) includes the foot pack, load bars, and locks.

**The 300 will work because it a universal rain tray design, however the 305 is a more specific designed rain tray design for mkII. It is more advisable to use the 305.**

Compatibility, Restrictions, and Miscellaneous Facts
-165 lb load capacity
-5" bar clearance
-The max barspread is 34"(longest distance between the front and rear load bar that the car is capable of achieving).
-A 41" load bar is included with the racks and longer bars may be substituted.
-A 13mm wrench is required for install.
-Luggage baskets #581 and #582 are not compatable.
-Storage box #627 or The Weekender Box are not compatable.

Fairings
Thule since 2002 redesigned their fairings to be more rounded and less square looking. Although the rectangular ones still exist, it is increasingly difficult to find one with all of the parts needed for mounting. Since then the they have a more rounded snowboard looking fairing. The fairing suggested for the rack is the #871 Medium

Old style:

New style:

From here you have many different options for carriers. Thule offers bicycle trays, ski/snowboard carriers, water sport carriers, luggage, and storage options. You are limited to a 41" load bars so some things make take up most of your space. The only other limitation to carriers are the specific carriers listed above(581,582,627).

If you have any questions regarding the rack systems, spare parts, or accessories for your rack, refer to http://www.thule.com or check with your local Thule dealer.

Please ask me questions, but don't ask me for discounts on any Thule products, I am not a forum sponsor so therefore I am not obligated to give you a deal.

Modified by the wayfarer at 2:50 PM 1-2-2009

Modified by the wayfarer at 11:16 AM 2-2-2009


Modified by the wayfarer at 11:44 AM 4-13-2009

[GLI_DRIVER]

Someone was bored at work...Good info EVERYONE can use.

[VegasJetta]

This needs to be added to the MK2 FAQ page

[3dubssofar]

added info: if you do procure an old style (555) fairing and you mount it as shown in the picture with the rubber strip on the roof, it will eventually rub the paint off the roof at that part. slide the whole thing forward so that the strip lays on the windshield. voila!

[Burnitwithfire]

I've added this to the DIY thread. Good infos in there.

[Tucked]

Hey....can you mount the 871 fairing on OEM mk2 racks?

[the wayfarer]

Quote, originally posted by .:R-GTI:. »

Hey....can you mount the 871 fairing on OEM mk2 racks?

As long as the load bar is rectangular, for my old oem rack with a square load bar, I had to drill a hole to make it fit with extra hardware store hardware.

[ratdub]

quick question: will feet kits (300 iirc) from rabbits and vanagons work on a2's?

[Boostin20v]

Quote, originally posted by the wayfarer »

Compatibility, Restrictions, and Miscellaneous Facts -165 lb load capacity

FWIW I've loaded up mine to ~200lbs without issue (13'10" sailboat with dolly and rigging, strapped side to side and front and rear) even at highway speeds.

[the wayfarer]

Quote, originally posted by ratdub »

quick question: will feet kits (300 iirc) from rabbits and vanagons work on a2's?

The 300 foot kit looks as though it may work, it looks similar to my older oem foot kit. It sits in the rain gutter the same way, the only thing I would be cautious of it how it grabs into the rain gutter.

Quote, originally posted by Boostin20v »

FWIW I've loaded up mine to ~200lbs without issue (13'10" sailboat with dolly and rigging, strapped side to side and front and rear) even at highway speeds.

165lbs is the max weight for the roof to with stand. The weight is distributed through the A,B, and C pillars. Anything over that may result in your roof collapsing. If you wanted to haul anything over 165lbs, I would suggest getting a trailer.

[sactown16v]

I've got the 305 feet but missing the cover flap with locks. Are those still available? How much?

[the wayfarer]

Quote, originally posted by sactown16v »

I've got the 305 feet but missing the cover flap with locks. Are those still available? How much?

Sent PM.

[pyroboy1850]

if you have oem racks are you able to attach thule snowboard attachments easily or will it be a pita

[the wayfarer]

It depends on the load bar shape. If it is square then the Thule snowboard carrier will not fit being that the attachments are rectangular.

[evilrobot0]

I've got this setup:

but I need keys for my locks... is that something that you can help with?

I bought it used off of craigs list. this guys brother had taken the rack off of his GTI in like 95 - then the car got totaled and the racks sat in his brothers garage; now I own them. but, no key.

[the wayfarer]

There is a number on the lock itself (for example: N088) that is also the number key. These two numbers have to be the same corresponding with the lock and key. Go here and the type that number, http://www.thuleracks.com/prod...thule. I suggest you also buy a Universal Change Key. It makes life easy.

[evilrobot0]

Quote, originally posted by the wayfarer »

There is a number on the lock itself (for example: N088) that is also the number key. These two numbers have to be the same corresponding with the lock and key. Go here and the type that number, http://www.thuleracks.com/prod...thule. I suggest you also buy a Universal Change Key. It makes life easy.

I tried their website ket thing; my lockset is apparently too old and turns up no results.

I'll have to look at it later when I get home; I keep meaning to send pics directly to THULE and plead for help....

[Tucked]

To further pyroboy's questions...

is there any snowboard attatchments for the OEM square roof racks?

[the wayfarer]

To the best of knowledge, no. The only way to make work would be to shape the load bar into a rectangle by making some shims. It sucks but its the only way I know of.

[pyroboy1850]

since you work for thule I have a mk4 oem roof rack question. with the aero type bars.

Ill send a pm

[the wayfarer]

correction: I work for a thule dealer

[pyroboy1850]

yeah sorry that was a mis type on my part. i remembered once i saw your post

[the wayfarer]

amended with 300 foot pack info

[uberaudi_91]

Quote, originally posted by sactown16v »

I've got the 305 feet but missing the cover flap with locks. Are those still available? How much?

I have the same problem.

[the wayfarer]

from the website, it looks as though they are in stock, you would have to purchase locks as well as the dog ears: http://www.thuleracks.com/prod...u=305

[ratdub]

bump for some very good info

[the wayfarer]

Quote, originally posted by ratdub »

bump for some very good info

Thanks, I was contemplating branching off and doing the same thing for mkI, mkIII, and mkIV. We'll see...

[VDub2625]

Oooh. I need a new rubber strip for the old style fairing. Does anyone have any suggestions for a replacement strip so my fairing dosen't scratch my windshield, paint, or seal?

Also need some new thumbscrews... some of my heads cracked and broke off

Oh, and the fairing is supposed to mount underhanded huh? Didn't know that.


Modified by VDub2625 at 9:24 AM 4-7-2009

[the wayfarer]

all of the hardware can be found at a hardware store, I have an extra rubber strip for you

[kinkerstinker]

Quote, originally posted by the wayfarer »

all of the hardware can be found at a hardware store, I have an extra rubber strip for you

i wish i had an old fairing.

[Autotechnik]

good to know

[evilrobot0]

hahah! Wow. thanks for bumping this up! reminds me that I STILL need to get keys (or new locks) for my 305 locks!!

EDIT: HAHA! Follow up; just called them - AMAZINGLY friendly and helpful. 5 minutes and $2.75 later; my key is on its way to my house.


Modified by evilrobot0 at 11:54 AM 4-7-2009

[evilrobot0]

UPS just dropped off my key!! WOW!!

...now my new problem - all for locks are the same number, the key is the correct number - but it only works in two of them.

it fits in all four; but only two of them turn.

[the wayfarer]

my guess is that you have bad tumblers, you should gotten a new set of locks and there would be a blank key and regular keys

[evilrobot0]

Quote, originally posted by the wayfarer »

my guess is that you have bad tumblers, you should gotten a new set of locks and there would be a blank key and regular keys

that would have been WAYY mre $$ than was required to fix the problem. LOL.

I just pulled the lock assembly from each one and soaked them good with this stuff:

let sit for 5 minutes; clean up and put back together.

the lock work like they are brand new now; all four of them.

so... so far I am in $2.75 for the key, $1.98 for the Lock-Ease....

so; $4.74 to get a new key and get my stuff all back in working order. ..how much would four entirely new assemblies cost again?