So i figured i'll start a new thread since previous discussions i found was quite old.

I have a 958 without rails and was looking at how to retrofit, and it seems like a easy job as long as all cars comes fitted with the mounting for the bracket pictured below


Im thinking about the grey part where the yellow nuts are fitted.
Has anyone removed the headliner from a non rail car and can confirm wether or not these fitting points are present?

Looking at the PET i find only one part number for this A-pillar piece ( 958 502 287 00)

 

Following
I am looking at removing our rails if it would enable a better fitment for Front Runner racks
https://www.frontrunneroutfitters.com
__________________________
https://rennlist.com/forums/cayenne-...meet-otis.html

 

Not to derail the thread, did you not find it easy to fit the front runner to the side rails?

 

Initial look did not find Front Runner hardware to go between our 958 rails and their platform. Will be making a trip to our local shop for their advice - Mule Expedition Outfitters - www.dasmule.com
I do not want the rack sitting up high to get hit and/or gear snagged going thru the forest. On more traditional rigs the FR rack sits very low to the roof.
___________________________
https://rennlist.com/forums/cayenne-...meet-otis.html

 

Any updates? I'm looking at a Cayenne without rails and would like to know if it's possible to retrofit. My dealer says 'no' but they're probably the least informed.

 

I would like to know as well.

I need rails for my surfboards, and I "assumed" I could do this option later??? (I'm in the processing of buying a 2013 Cayenne S (without rails) right now

 

What about the Thule ones that clamp on the side of the roof?

Here's a picture:


It's called the Thule Rapid Traverse.

 

Thule is not a bad solution ... all in you are looking at just over $500 USD new, I'm sure with some work on ebay / craigslist, the solution could be found for a bit cheaper

That said, has anyone actually purchased the OEM roof rails and installed? I looked a couple 2016, 2017, 2018 & 2019 Cayenne's today & noticed why this is a factory install. You would have to drill into your roof of your Cayenee. Not something I would do myself...

 

I don't have rails on my 2012 CTT. I've been very pleased with my Thule setup (ARB60 and fit kit 1632). The 9 foot sofa travelled 500 miles at highway speed with no issues.... other than it looking like a coffin. We travelled cross country with a cargo box without issue as well.

 

i love that blue, it does look a bit like your carrying a dead body ... lol

thanks for the pics of the part #s

 

Thule would be the better solution methinks. I’m probably going to get one so that I can carry kayaks.

 

I came across this YouTube video which might be of interest to anyone thinking about retrofitting the factory option

Cayenne Water leak Into Passenger Carpet After Rain Or Car Wash

 

I got to meet with three folks who work directly for Frontrunner. They are going to help with fitment of one of their racks for our 958.
We have a 'consumer' grade Yakima rack that is not working for us. The cross bars and basket independently shift.
Frontrunner is very popular with Overlanding folks, much more substantial than 'consumer' grade systems.
Will post what I find out - https://www.frontrunneroutfitters.com/en/us/
.
Video - ____________________________
https://rennlist.com/forums/cayenne-...meet-otis.html

 

if Frontrunner has an option / instructions to bolt on their racks , a couple might listen. To do this right really involves digging into your interior headliner to bolt on your roof.

what is crazy is how much was the OEM roof rails option? $600 or $1200 ? Looking into the OEM parts, you hit $1k+ just in parts! I am sure someone has does this but your drill holes better be perfect the 1st try!

a Thule system might be ”consumer grade” but are you really putting more then 165 lbs up there? w/o permanent roof holes.

& how often really is your Cayenne getting lifted by a crane on a cargo deck by its roof rail system? It’s cool I get it for when you need to load & unload your Cayenne onto your cargo ship coming home from your African safaris.

 

Thanks - that looks like it will work for me. Is that a Pano rood I see under the sofa?