Volkswagen Golf 2021 Owner's Manual page 221

Always carefully follow the installation instructions
from the base carrier or roof rack manufacturer.
The front mounting holes are on the underside of
the roof frame. They are sealed with plastic screws
that must be removed before installation →
(magnified view on left). The rear markings for the
base carrier are on the underside of the roof frame
→ fig. 149 (magnified view on right).
The holes and markings are only visible when the
door is open.
Only mount the roof rack base carrier on the mark-
ings shown in the illustration.
Once you have installed the base carrier correctly,
you can secure the roof rack on the base carrier ac-
cording to the manufacturer's instructions.
WARNING
Installing or using a base carrier or roof rack im-
properly can cause the entire system to fly off the
vehicle, causing accidents and injuries.
·
Always follow the installation instructions pro-
vided by the manufacturer.
·
Use the base carrier and roof rack only if they
are undamaged and properly installed.
·
Secure the roof rack base carrier only at the at-
tachment points shown in the illustration
→ fig. 149.
·
Always install the base carrier and roof rack
properly.
·
Make sure that all bolts and fasteners are prop-
erly installed and properly tightened before ev-
ery trip and retighten them as needed after
driving a short distance. During a long trip,
check all bolts and fasteners at each stop.
·
Always properly install special fixtures for items
such as bicycles, skis, surfboards, etc.
·
Do not modify or repair the base carrier or roof
rack.
Follow the instructions provided for installing
the roof rack system. Always carry them in the
vehicle.
Securing a load on the roof rack
Please read the introductory information and
heed the Warnings and Notice
It is not possible to secure a load unless the roof
rack system has been properly installed →
fig. 149
www.carobook.com
on page 218.
.
Maximum permissible roof load
The maximum permissible roof load is 165 lbs.
(75 kg). The maximum permissible roof load is the
combined weight of the roof rack and the items be-
ing carried on the roof →
Be sure you know the weight of the roof rack and
the items you want to transport on the roof. Weigh
them if necessary. Never carry a total of more than
the maximum permissible roof load.
When using a roof rack with a lower load limit, do
not load the rack to the maximum weight men-
tioned above. In this case, you may only load the
roof rack to the weight limit specified in the sys-
tem's installation instructions.
Distributing the load
Distribute the load evenly and secure it properly
→ .
Checking the mountings
After the base carrier and roof rack have been instal-
led, check all bolts and fasteners after driving
a short time and at regular intervals thereafter.
WARNING
If the maximum permissible roof load is exceeded,
accidents and substantial vehicle damage may oc-
cur.
·
Never exceed the specified roof load, the maxi-
mum Gross Axle Weight Rating, or the Gross
Vehicle Weight Rating.
·
Do not exceed the loading capacity of the roof
rack, even if the permissible roof load is not
fully utilized.
·
Always make sure that loads are evenly distrib-
uted and that heavier items are, as far as possi-
ble, toward the front.
WARNING
Loose or improperly secured items can fall off the
roof rack and cause accidents and injuries.
·
To help prevent baggage or other items from
coming loose and flying around, always use
suitable, undamaged tie-down ropes and ratch-
et straps.
·
Secure the load properly.
NOTICE
When opening the trunk lid, make sure that it will
not hit anything secured to the roof rack.
.
Roof rack 219