Get Transporting -> Roof rack Guide for Volkswagen Atlas SUV Second Generation (2024-2025)

WARNING

Improperly or incorrectly connected electrical wires can lead to malfunctions in the entire vehicle electronics system as

well as accidents and serious or fatal injuries.

Never connect the electrical system on a trailer directly to the electrical connectors for the taillights or other

unsuitable power sources.

Only use suitable connectors to connect the trailer.

If retroﬁtting the vehicle with a trailer hitch, have the work performed by an authorized Volkswagen dealer or

authorized Volkswagen Service Facility. Volkswagen recommends contacting an authorized Volkswagen dealer or

authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.

WARNING

Incorrect mounting or the use of an unsuitable trailer hitch can lead to the trailer becoming detached from the towing

vehicle during the journey, potentially causing accidents and serious injuries or death.

Only have work on your trailer hitch or the retroﬁtting of a trailer hitch carried out by an authorized Volkswagen

dealer or authorized Volkswagen service facility. Volkswagen recommends contacting an authorized Volkswagen

dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.

Only use trailer hitches that are provided for the vehicle model, model year and vehicle equipment by the corresponding

manufacturer. Volkswagen recommends the use of Volkswagen original parts or Volkswagen original accessories, which you

can acquire from an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.

Roof rack

Introduction

Depending on the model, the vehicle may be designed to have a roof rack installed.

Bulky objects can be transported on the vehicle roof using the roof rack.

If you are not sure if your vehicle is designed to have a roof rack installed, check with an authorized Volkswagen dealer or

authorized Volkswagen Service Facility. Volkswagen recommends contacting an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized

Volkswagen Service Facility.

Only use roof racks that are approved by Volkswagen for use with your vehicle.

Do not use or retroﬁt a roof rack if this is not approved for your vehicle.

WARNING

When transporting large, heavy, long, or ﬂat loads on the roof rack, the vehicle's driving characteristics and aerodynamics

change because of the different center of gravity and increased wind resistance. This may cause accidents and serious or

fatal injuries.

Always secure cargo correctly with suitable and undamaged cords, ﬁxation belts or tensioning straps.

Avoid abrupt and sudden driving and braking maneuvers.

Always adapt your speed and driving style to the visibility, weather, road and trafﬁc conditions.

WARNING

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If the use of a roof rack is not approved for your vehicle or a roof rack that is incompatible with the vehicle is ﬁtted, it may

detach and fall from the roof of the vehicle while you are driving. This may cause accidents and serious or fatal injuries.

Only use roof racks that are approved by Volkswagen for the vehicle.

Do not ﬁt roof racks if they are not approved for your vehicle.

NOTICE

Installing any type of roof rack onto a vehicle that is not approved for use of a roof rack can cause serious damage.

Do not ﬁt roof racks if they are not approved for your vehicle.

Driving with a roof rack fitted increases the air resistance of the vehicle and thus also the fuel consumption. This reduces

the potential range of the vehicle. This applies to all roof racks and any objects transported on them, such as bicycles and

skis.

Mounting a roof rack

Please read the introductory information and heed the Warnings and Notice ⇒

and Introduction.

For safety reasons, special roof racks are needed to transport luggage, bicycles, surfboards, skis and boats safely. The roof

racks for installation on the roof rail in particular are referred to as roof rack bars, and are used as a base supports for direct

installation on the vehicle roof.

Only use roof racks that are provided for the vehicle model, model year and vehicle equipment by the corresponding

manufacturer.

Volkswagen recommends the use of Volkswagen original parts or Volkswagen original accessories, which you can acquire

from an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.

Mounting the Roof Rack Bars on the Roof Rail

Mount the roof rack bars in accordance with the supplied installation instructions.

The respective base can be attached after successfully installing the roof rack bars ⇒

Remove the roof rack in the following scenarios

If the roof rack is no longer needed.

Before driving through an automatic car wash

If the height of the vehicle exceeds the maximum height limit, for example in a garage

NOTICE

The height of the vehicle changes when a roof rack is installed and when there is cargo secured on it. The vehicle may be

badly damaged if you drive into entrances with low heights, e.g. underpasses and garages.

Compare the height of the vehicle with the clearance height.

NOTICE

If parts on the roof of your particular vehicle (depending on the vehicle equipment), e.g. the roof antenna, and the trunk

lid's range of movement are impaired by the roof rack and the luggage, the vehicle may be damaged.

Ensure that the roof rack is positioned correctly on the roof and that it will not affect any components of the vehicle.

364

WARNING

Securing the roof rack and base incorrectly or using them incorrectly may cause the luggage or the entire assembly to

come loose from the vehicle roof. This can result in accidents and serious or fatal injuries.

Always mount the roof rack and base correctly in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.

Secure the roof rack only at the locations intended for this.

Always mount special rack assemblies for bicycles, skis, surfboards, etc. correctly and in accordance with the

manufacturer's installation instructions.

Only use the roof rack and base if they are undamaged and secured correctly.

Check the roof rack mounts before starting a journey and, if necessary, retighten them after a short distance.

On long trips, check the threaded connections and fasteners each time you take a break.

Do not make any modiﬁcations or repairs to the roof rack or base.

A ﬁtted roof rack increases air resistance and therefore may reduce the vehicle's range.

Loading the roof rack

Please read the introductory information and heed the Warnings and Notice ⇒

and Introduction.

Maximum permissible roof weight

The maximum permissible roof load is 90 kg (200 lbs).

The roof load consists of the weight of the roof rack and the items carried on the roof rack →

Always check the weight of the roof rack and the items that will be transported on it. Weigh the items if necessary.

When using a roof rack with a low load limit, do not load the rack with the maximum permissible roof load. In this case, only

load the roof rack to the weight limit listed in the installation guide.

Distributing the load

Distribute the load evenly and secure it correctly →

Checking that everything is secure

Once you have ﬁtted the roof rack, drive a short distance and then check all the fasteners. Keep checking them regularly.

WARNING

Exceeding the maximum permitted roof load can result in accidents, damage to the vehicle and serious or fatal injuries.

Never exceed the speciﬁed roof load, the Gross Axle Weight Rating, and the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating of the

vehicle.

Do not exceed the load limit of the roof rack, even if the roof load is below the limit.

WARNING

If loose and incorrectly secured luggage falls off the roof rack, accidents and serious or fatal injuries may occur.

365

Use only suitable and undamaged tie-downs, ﬁxing and tensioning straps.

NOTICE

If the trunk lid hits the roof load, the vehicle may be damaged.

Make sure the trunk lid does not run into the roof load when opening the lid.

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Transporting -> Roof rack for Your Volkswagen Atlas SUV Second Generation (2024-2025)

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