kayak rack for 2007 VW Passat wagon?

What type of kayak rack should I put on a 2007 VW Passat wagon?
It already has the rails. So I'm debating if I should get the factory crossbars--or go with Thule/Yakima crossbars.

In the past, I've been unimpressed with factory crossbars (from Chrysler/Jeep). And I have a ladder rack for my truck. This is something I don't know much about so any advice is appreciated. Thanks!

Nice ride Pat, but then you always seem to pilot the cool cars

I like the yakima stuff, but it is all I have experience with, other than big clunky 4x4 basket racks

I use the Thule cross bars on my Rav4 when carrying 2 yaks. They are designed to go on most any rails.
Side note: I have heard that jeep rails need some special little piece to accept these... But that's another car...

They use a rubber covered strap system to wrap around your rails. You then just tighten up a screw to pull the strap tight. Simple, and easy. Depending on where I'm parked, I will pull the whole setup off and stash it in the car. I would hate to return from fishing only to find my rack kyped...


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The stock cross bars on my Yukon were crap and I thought the Yak might fly off.  I went online to one of the places,  If forget which, and told them what I wanted to do.   They sold me little clampy thingys that go on the stock rails,  the clampy thingys hold the real cross bars.  On the cross bars I have the Thule rack on them.  So far so good.

Found the vendor…   etrailer.com

This guy helped me   [email protected]

Heavier weight capacity with Thule/Yakima.
Length too!

Pat,

I recently got these and am stoked on them.

http://www.maloneautoracks.com/cross-rail.php

 

Sincerely,

Jim

This is what I got but obviously they might be a bit wide.


http://www.etrailer.com/roof-2012_GMC_Yukon.htm?style=excluding+Denali&furl=-c1-SR-pm-Rhino_Rack

Good info--thanks guys!
I need to get the clamp thingys and some crossbars. Then I'll transport the yak upside down like always...I have the good Thule J-racks but never use them unless I'm transportin 2 yaks.

I use Yakima rail grabbers on my factory 4runner bars.imo factory bars are only good for super light yaks or baskets

Pat,

I recently got these and am stoked on them.

http://www.maloneautoracks.com/cross-rail.php

 

Sincerely,

Jim

+1 the easiest way to go. If you have the means they make an aero bar with the same mounting style. Cuts the noise way down. The Malone racks are less than Thule and are equal if not better in about everything they make.

Hi Pat,
I've got a 2009 VW Jetta wagon which is pretty similar to your Passat. I went with the Thule Aero bars with Crossroad feet that clamp on the factory rails. Solid. The only issue will be how far you want the bars hanging out. If they stick out too far, they're right where you get in/out. If you go with bars that are even with the sides as I did, they're not in the way, but you might only get one kayak on depending on the racks you use. I did some 'customizing' to fit my kayak flat (not on edge), and also fit a Thule box.
I've got an older set of Yakima round bars with rail grabbers for cheap that should fit your car. PM me if your interested.
Jim