can you install a thule roof rack with a fairing and still operate the open sky system? i have a 2008 a3.

 

I have the exact same question. Did you ever get an answer on this? Thanks

 

I think the answer is YES based on this video!

A3 with roof rack and open sky - YouTube

 

I have a 2008 A3 with Open Sky; Thule square bar roof rack has no problems.

 

But it looks like the window would hit a bike tray when it swings up to roll back. Can anyone confirm/deny this? It looks like these are 480R towers, would the 400 XTR tower give the added clearance needed to open with bikes?

 

I just put the Thule 400 with bike trays on my A3....it clears by JUST enough! So yes, it will work!

 

does it clear with a 4 snowboard rack (where there's snowboards mounted on the bottom)? i'd think the binding straps get in the way.

 

I don't think it would clear snowboards. I went 480R with Aeroblade Bars, and I had to mount the Fork Mount Bike racks outside the towers. The upright racks JUST clear in the center.

The problem is how high the roof angles up as it is sliding back. Watch that clip a few times. It breaks the plane of the bottom of the bars, and almost breaks the plane of the top.

YMMV

 

Hello all, I have a genuine Audi roof rack for sale.

Base Carrier (Part # 4F0071126) and 2 bike attachments (Parts # 8T0071128).

Excellent condition and awesome rack for an A6 Sedan (2005 - 2011).

E-mail me if interested in buying it...i'll make an awesome deal!

Also, excellent condition!