Roof bars. Does it matter exactly where they are mounted ?

[gpweston]

Audi A4 Avant 2005 model.

The roof rails have marked positions to fit cross bars.

I will fit a long Thule roof box to the cross bars.
I could fit the cross bars further apart to spread the load.

Could there be a problem with doing that ?

[Guest 2]

Only fit them where the manufacturer has advised!

[gpweston]

There is a lot of space either side of the advised locations....

[Lukenkarl]

There is a lot of space either side of the advised locations....

my a6 avant has one fitted to the recommended position but the rear bar is fitted way back next to the shark fin. This spreads the load especially when carrying ladders. Been like that for 6 years no problems at low or high speeds (70) ahem and in strong winds. If you carry long things then spreading the bars stops the seesaw effect, and increases stability of the load. Safer I think IMO

[PFJones]

Hi, If you have roofrails on your vehicle you can pretty much put them wherever you like. We usually fit them between 70 - 80cm apart as it's easier to fit a roofbox to those dimensions. Hope this helps.

[cjmcb]

I've always tried to space mine as far apart as possible for spreading the load. However, when doing a bit of a road trip with a bike on the roof, I shuffled the spacing together a little minimize the whistling noise.