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dieselmartin Profi-Schrauber


Joined: 03/13/2003 Posts: 10121 Karma: +29 / -0 Location: in der Werkstatt 2007 Volkswagen Passat Premium Support
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21-06-2008, 12:33 Subject: Roof box installation: How to install it? |
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Hi.
I just installed a roof box on top of my car.
I initially borrowed the fortifications from a colleague – that's how the current arrangement came about.
The advantage of the position:
The roof box is positioned as far forward as possible, away from the wind flow. It acts more like an extension of the windshield than creating additional resistance.
Disadvantage:
She's leaning back quite a bit.
The position of the crossbeams is fixed by Volkswagen – you cannot change anything with original crossbeams on the 3C model.
I could use the other holes in the box to position it further forward.
What do you think?
Okay, please provide the German text you would like me to translate into English. I will only provide the translation.
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Transparency, Teamwork
... there was another T.
I don't know what the f*ck it was.
Translated on 25-07-2026, 8:37.
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Rüdi Profi-Schrauber

Joined: 03/05/2005 Posts: 1508 Karma: +643 / -0 Location: Nord/Osthessen 2001 Audi A4 Avant Premium Support
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21-06-2008, 14:16 Subject: Roof box installation: How to install it? |
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Hi.
If you can't adjust the supports, I would move the box forward. Because when it has weight in it, the box will start to sway, especially when you drive faster, and the plastic and elastic material won't last forever.
Best regards, Rüdi.
P.S. Something like that couldn't happen to me; I can't afford genuine parts  .
Sommer: A4 B5 Avant 2,5 TDI Quattro Facelift (AKN silber)
Wartet auf H Kennzeichen: A4 B5 Avant 1.9 TDI Quattro (AFN Schwarz)
Winter: A4 B5 Avant TDI Quattro (AFN rot)
Alltags Spardose: Audi A2 1.4 TDI (AMF Silber)
Translated on 25-07-2026, 8:39.
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teileklaus Schrauber


Joined: 12/30/2006 Posts: 2643 Karma: +12 / -0 Location: Obrigheim 2005 Volkswagen Premium Support
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21-06-2008, 17:56 Subject: Roof box installation: How to install it? |
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Hi Martin, is it possible to move the rear mounting position further back? Could we rivet and drill stainless steel sheets together on both the inside and outside?
Or does the box not belong to you, so that you're not allowed to drill or make any changes? The overhang is very large!
If nothing can be changed, I would rather move forward.
Gruß, der Teileklaus
Touran 2017 DFG SCR 2,0, 150 PS Schalt
Fiat 500, Einkaufswagen
R1240R BIG Bore Tuningkuh, 142 NM
Translated on 25-07-2026, 8:40.
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christians Profi-Schrauber

Joined: 09/05/2002 Posts: 2105 Karma: +17 / -0 Location: Sauerland
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21-06-2008, 21:31 Subject: Roof box installation: How to install it? |
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If you load the box correctly so that its center of gravity is between the supports, then nothing will swing or sway.
The placement of the box is already decent; I feel that there would be more resistance and noise further forward.
It's best to buy different carriers. Just imagine trying to transport a long ladder or something similar with those.
Gruß Christian
A6 BPP, Ex-A6 AKN (Gurke), Ex-Audi100 92 AAT (5Zyl.)
Translated on 25-07-2026, 8:41.
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dieselmartin Profi-Schrauber


Joined: 03/13/2003 Posts: 10121 Karma: +29 / -0 Location: in der Werkstatt 2007 Volkswagen Passat Premium Support
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22-06-2008, 13:32 Subject: Roof box installation: How to install it? |
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Okay:
The original supports are crap, and the box is still in the way.
Okay, please provide the German text you would like me to translate into English. I will only provide the translation.
Transparency, Teamwork
... there was another T.
I don't know what the f*ck it was.
Translated on 25-07-2026, 8:42.
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dieselmartin Profi-Schrauber


Joined: 03/13/2003 Posts: 10121 Karma: +29 / -0 Location: in der Werkstatt 2007 Volkswagen Passat Premium Support
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22-06-2008, 14:10 Subject: Roof box installation: How to install it? |
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JEp
Moving the two holes on the box further back makes it look much better.
Okay, I'll leave it like that. The hope is to drive without the box, because it consumes a lot of fuel (I suspect around 0.9 liters per 100 km in France).
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Transparency, Teamwork
... there was another T.
I don't know what the f*ck it was.
Translated on 25-07-2026, 8:42.
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teileklaus Schrauber


Joined: 12/30/2006 Posts: 2643 Karma: +12 / -0 Location: Obrigheim 2005 Volkswagen Premium Support
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22-06-2008, 16:57 Subject: Roof box installation: How to install it? |
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You could try a "wind tunnel" consumption test on the BAB (presumably referring to a specific device or system), and see if there are any significant changes in performance besides the noise when the box slides forward.
It's a bit cumbersome, but the box will be empty before the return trip anyway, and you usually have more time in the U (presumably referring to a subway or similar).
In my opinion, the position is much too exposed to the wind.
I once had a Kadett, and I attached the roof rack supports underneath the roof rails by screwing them in. This lowered the loading height by 8 cm. However, the box would then need to be shifted further back so that it wouldn't experience underflow.
Gruß, der Teileklaus
Touran 2017 DFG SCR 2,0, 150 PS Schalt
Fiat 500, Einkaufswagen
R1240R BIG Bore Tuningkuh, 142 NM
Translated on 25-07-2026, 8:44.
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dieselmartin Profi-Schrauber


Joined: 03/13/2003 Posts: 10121 Karma: +29 / -0 Location: in der Werkstatt 2007 Volkswagen Passat Premium Support
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22-06-2008, 18:05 Subject: Roof box installation: How to install it? |
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I think I'll just get a used van and save up for a T5  .
The "box-dach" distance also confused me.
I think the Thule carriers that my sister has are considerably lower than my original parts. But I got mine for a bargain price  .
Okay, please provide the German text you would like me to translate into English. I will only provide the translation.
Transparency, Teamwork
... there was another T.
I don't know what the f*ck it was.
Translated on 25-07-2026, 8:45.
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teileklaus Schrauber


Joined: 12/30/2006 Posts: 2643 Karma: +12 / -0 Location: Obrigheim 2005 Volkswagen Premium Support
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22-06-2008, 18:11 Subject: Roof box installation: How to install it? |
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Then you would need as much without a roof box as you currently do with one, and you would be missing 20 km/h of maximum speed  .
Gruß, der Teileklaus
Touran 2017 DFG SCR 2,0, 150 PS Schalt
Fiat 500, Einkaufswagen
R1240R BIG Bore Tuningkuh, 142 NM
Translated on 25-07-2026, 8:46.
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matthiasTDI96 Profi-Schrauber

Joined: 02/27/2003 Posts: 5886 Karma: +251 / -0
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22-06-2008, 19:21 Subject: Roof box installation: How to install it? |
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harhar... so, right now, the T5 at the gas station is a real pain in the ass --- even though I'm almost pushing it... grumble...
Translated on 25-07-2026, 8:46.
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Bertil Profi-Schrauber

Joined: 04/15/2002 Posts: 5628 Karma: +108 / -0
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22-06-2008, 22:19 Subject: Roof box installation: How to install it? |
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Okay, in my case, it looks exactly like the image attached.
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Gruß Bertil
Skoda 5E5 CZDA + Mini R50 W10 + VW ID.3 + Fiat Ducato 250 + 161 DX
*** Technische Anfragen per PN werden von mir nicht beantwortet! ***
Translated on 25-07-2026, 8:46.
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dieselmartin Profi-Schrauber


Joined: 03/13/2003 Posts: 10121 Karma: +29 / -0 Location: in der Werkstatt 2007 Volkswagen Passat Premium Support
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23-06-2008, 8:04 Subject: Roof box installation: How to install it? |
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Hi Bertil.
Do you have a Thule roof rack?
Because you can freely position them.
The original VW 3C roof racks have a fixed position on the top-viewed V-shaped crossbars due to their fixed width.
Besides, your box seems shorter.
Okay, please provide the German text you would like me to translate into English. I will only provide the translation.
Transparency, Teamwork
... there was another T.
I don't know what the f*ck it was.
Translated on 25-07-2026, 8:47.
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Bertil Profi-Schrauber

Joined: 04/15/2002 Posts: 5628 Karma: +108 / -0
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23-06-2008, 8:35 Subject: Roof box installation: How to install it? |
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dieselmartin wrote: | Hi Bertil.
Do you have a Thule roof rack?
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Yes, that's the old Thule. It was the only one you could mount without having to take the box off the roof rack every time.
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Because you can freely position them.
The original VW 3C roof racks have a fixed position on the top-viewed V-shaped crossbars due to their fixed width.
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Ist mir bekannt. So was dämliches hatte ich bis dahin noch nicht gesehen. VW accessories available.
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Besides, your box seems shorter.
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Yes, that is a short/wide box.
It creates quite a bit of "aerodynamic drag" around the car. However, the increased fuel consumption is minimal. It's about 0.5 liters more when driving solo, but that difference almost disappears when carrying passengers. In return, I can transport bicycles in the trunk (using a special rack), which saves me a significant amount of fuel.
Gruß Bertil
Skoda 5E5 CZDA + Mini R50 W10 + VW ID.3 + Fiat Ducato 250 + 161 DX
*** Technische Anfragen per PN werden von mir nicht beantwortet! ***
Translated on 25-07-2026, 8:49.
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dieselmartin Profi-Schrauber


Joined: 03/13/2003 Posts: 10121 Karma: +29 / -0 Location: in der Werkstatt 2007 Volkswagen Passat Premium Support
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23-06-2008, 8:58 Subject: Roof box installation: How to install it? |
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Quote: | | Transporting bicycles in the trunk (special carriers) |
I've already seen that one  .
I've now removed the Cargonizer – this also frees up a significant amount of storage space for small items.
Okay, please provide the German text you would like me to translate into English. I will only provide the translation.
Transparency, Teamwork
... there was another T.
I don't know what the f*ck it was.
Translated on 25-07-2026, 8:50.
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dieselmartin Profi-Schrauber


Joined: 03/13/2003 Posts: 10121 Karma: +29 / -0 Location: in der Werkstatt 2007 Volkswagen Passat Premium Support
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23-06-2008, 23:16 Subject: Roof box installation: How to install it? |
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Okay, please provide the text you would like me to translate from German to English. I will only provide the translation.
In an initial test at 140 km/h, the enclosure proved to be very stable.
Even the exposed groove profiles of the beams did not produce any whistling or creaking sounds.
Okay, please provide the German text you would like me to translate into English. I will only provide the translation.
Transparency, Teamwork
... there was another T.
I don't know what the f*ck it was.
Translated on 25-07-2026, 8:51.
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haithamina Schrauber

Joined: 05/15/2006 Posts: 666 Karma: +27 / -3 Location: 69221 Dossenheim
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17-09-2010, 9:46 Subject: Roof box installation: How to install it? |
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Hi there,
I also have a question about this topic.
I want to buy a roof box. If I get one that can also accommodate my long skis, it would need to have an internal length of more than 204 cm. Roof boxes like those from Thule or KAMI often measure around 220-230 cm in external length.
Alternative: The slightly smaller size, with external dimensions of approximately 190 cm, simply doesn't allow my skis to fit inside.
The roof of the 3BG is approximately 190 cm long, from the (long) radio-telephone antenna to the edge of the windshield. The front crossbar of the roof is located another estimated 20 cm further back. Therefore, a 230 cm long box would protrude 40 cm above the roof, and its front resting surface would be positioned quite far back.
What do you think? Should I get the shorter roof box? I can still go on a ski trip with just ski holders, meaning the skis would be exposed.
You're welcome, haithamina.
3G5, 110 kW, DFGA, TGV, Variant HL 2018-
ex 3G5, 110 kW, CRLB, QFZ, Variant HL, 2015-2018, 108 Tkm
ex 3BG, 74 kW, DPF, AVB, EEN, Variant HL, 2003-2015, 271 Tkm
Translated on 25-07-2026, 8:53.
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