altonj

I prefer without, but we have them on our because we use them for the Yakima cross bars and Kayak attachements.. Only way to get the boats up there...

whistle34

like with black rails ....and 22" black wheels don't hurt either

cordsig79

with and without

Galion

Pre-2011, with roof rails
2011, No roof rails

dubl07

I change my opinion on this weekly..ill drive for a week without them and feel the need to put them back on..then when I have them on I want them off..good thing its a quick swap.

Qu4ttro

Folks... I just recently got into mountain biking and now I need a transport system for them on my Cayenne.


I am debating on whether I should get the....
1. Porsche roof Rack $280
http://www.suncoastparts.com/product/9X804400010.html


2. Thule rapid Crossroad $460 w/ 4 locks
http://www.rackoutfitters.com/porsch...of-rack-11-14/


I believe the Porsche one is rated at 200lbs while the Thule is rated at 165lbs. Is it worth going with the Thule instead of Porsche? Is the only difference that Thule can be used on another vehicle?


Maybe I should get a hitch installed instead as a third option. What do you guys think? TIA

7 Summits

With

v10rick

I would go with a hitch carrier system. The previous owner of my GTS carried something that caused roof dings...not noticeable until I removed the racks. Dent Buster and $400 fixed this but still.

With a mountain bike there is the possibility of bike mud or gravel falling into the roof channels.

An avid cyclist myself I found it more convenient to use a hitch mounted system. When the season is over or you need access to the lift gate its a 5 min. operation to remove the carrier.

BTW at highway speeds with empty Thule racks there was the annoying sound of wind turbulence. My Thule racks were similar to the P version on the suncoast link. I prefer the bald look anyway.

DWPC

A Cayenne looks better with a rack only if you have a red Hi-Lift jack zip-tied on it.

Qu4ttro

Thanks for the reply. My only issue with the hitch is that my 2013 cayenne did not come with the tow hitch option so I would need to get it installed as well. I've seen some aftermarket hitch for ~$250-400 and Porsche oem hitch is $999. Also would security of your bike also be an issue since it is ground level? Maybe that's not an issue.

Also you mentioned that it is very easy to take the hitch out. Would it be an issue if you go camping/ road trip and have to access the lift gate quite often?

v10rick

Like anything OEM its way overpriced. I DIY installed an aftermarket hitch for a lot less. Here is one option.

http://www.etrailer.com/p-87676.html

You must be the judge of what works best for your application. I removed the rack and stowed it in the rear when necessary. There are locks available but like anything if someone wants it they will find a way.

colowhisper

I actually prefer the look with no rails but with cross bars and useful attachments.

wrinkledpants

If you have acoustic parking sensors, it's worth it to get the OEM unit as it will recognize something is back there and shut off the park sensors. Plus, it'll really raise the value of the car as many folks won't consider a Cayenne without the factory tow package. Unlike many options, the tow package is worth it IMO.

That said - I've had roof racks on every car I've ever owned, including the 911 in my avatar. I have a Kuat hitch rack, and I'll never go back to putting bikes on the roof. It tilts back to get access to the trunk when the bikes are on there, built in lock, and it snugs up in the hitch so it's not banging around. I just threw ours on last week, and I won't be taking it off until late October. I ride 3 days a week or so - never again will I have a vehicle that requires me to put the bikes on the roof.

Qu4ttro

Wow. I'm surprised to see so much more activity in rennlist compared to 6speed. Thanks for the suggestions guys.

That hitch that tilt might be my best option as long as I can get the hitch installed without breaking the bank.

Also for you guys who added the hitch after delivery of car... Do you also have to add wiring for the tow harness? Did you guys need to update the software for tow mode? Or is that only for folks with PASM?

deilenberger

With..

I do carry a Christmas tree on it once a year (have a set of cross-bars that mount to the rails..)




In glossy black like the rims and the rest of the trim..