My box is rubbing...

[Disco Stew]

Here are a few quick shots of my winter setup. Snows & rack ready for the the ski season.





Anybody else have issues with the spoiler hitting the box when you open the rear hatch? I have the bars in the factory load points on the rails and the box is as far forward as I can slide it. Thinking about finding a small strip of 3M clear bra stuff to put on the contact point on the spoiler. Other ideas?

TIA.

- Stew

[Yohan]

Mine hits as well but just the hatch window not spoiler (I have a B6). I have a rag/old shirt in my trunk and everytime I open the hatch I put the rag between the box and window.

It works pretty well for me.

[a4audi4fun]

Why not just move the bars forward a couple of inches so that you get the clearance you need from the spoiler. I think the reason the factory markings are where they are, is to ensure the crossbars don't touch the sunroof when in tilt mode and probably for "optimal noise reduction".

I have my cross bars about 4" forward from your location, giving me complete clearance from the spoiler when I have the hatch fully open. No issues last winter with noise or rigidity.

http://www.audizine.com/gallery/show...2&ppuser=21428 - picture here

[dougyfresh]

Yes.
That is why

1) I do not have a spoiler
2) I have my cross-bars as far forward as possible

[Greyhound Guy]

Yup, bars all the way forward and box all the way forward. My box is over the front window by more than 8 inches.

[dougyfresh]

You can see how far forward mine is:


My cargo box is also much longer than the Thule one the OP has.

Old School Yakima FTW. I can fit two bicycles on the roof and the box is wide enough to lay a 29inch wheeled mountain bike tire down flat inside

[ewytt]

I want a box

[Disco Stew]

You can see how far forward mine is:

My cargo box is also much longer than the Thule one the OP has.

No comment.

Seriously, thanks to all for the ideas. I will try sliding the cross bars up a few inches and see if I can clear it. I think that if I have to move the rear bars forward of the rail supports, it might look kind of goofy.

[WantAvant]

What kind and size are your winter wheels? They look really nice for winters

[Disco Stew]

Thanks WantAvant. Near as I can tell, they are AT Atalia Razze 10 Anthracite in (17" 35 offset). Bought them from a guy who had them on a B5 S4. I don't think they make them any more as I have been trying to find a spare with no luck. If anybody has one, I'm buying!

[WantAvant]

Ever thought about throwing some coilovers on that thing? I think it might make it look even better!

[Disco Stew]

Update: Thanks for all the advice fellow wagoneers. Moved the bars about 3 inches forward and got the .5" clearance to open the hatch. It looks fine but the sunroof will hit the crossbar if it gets opened by accident. Now if I can just find somebody to VAGcom me so I can get the friggin TPMS light off...

[Silvant]

i like rubbing box.

[B8Buckeye]

My box is rubbing...

That's what she said...