SQ5 Roof rack and cargo box recommendations

[Linksman72]

Just purchased an 2014 SQ5 , I would like to add a roof rack and cargo box. Any recommendations would be appreciated.


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[TriTexan]

Just purchased an 2014 SQ5 , I would like to add a roof rack and cargo box. Any recommendations would be appreciated.


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Just remember those pins on the roof rails signal the ECU to cut back on engine power in case there's a load on the roof. So using roof rails/racks while empty will neuter your car a bit.

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[Linksman72]

Just remember those pins on the roof rails signal the ECU to cut back on engine power in case there's a load on the roof. So using roof rails/racks while empty will neuter your car a bit.

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Wow, didn’t know that. Are the roof racks a permanent attachment, looking for only using a few times per year. I’m planning on doing a stage 1 tune


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[TriTexan]

Wow, didn’t know that. Are the roof racks a permanent attachment, looking for only using a few times per year. I’m planning on doing a stage 1 tune


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Not sure. Look at the inside of your side rails. There are two pair of holes. When the cross rails are mounted they have pins that go into these holes. Not sure if it's just pushing a button or closing a circuit. Aftermarket parts may or may not implement this tho. Just something to consider. I wouldn't leave the cross rails or roof box on the car full time regardless.

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[buggravy]

Just remember those pins on the roof rails signal the ECU to cut back on engine power in case there's a load on the roof. So using roof rails/racks while empty will neuter your car a bit.

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You sure about that? I'm not claiming that it's not true, or that I know better, but I've heard a lot of assertions about what those sensors communicate to the car, and that's the first time I've heard that one. My sales guy actually told me the opposite, that it tells the ECU to increase power to make up for the extra load. I don't buy that either, but he said that's why you see people "in the know" driving around with their racks on when they're not using them. What I've heard the most, and what seems the most plausible, is that it communicates with the ESC system to adjust for a higher center of gravity from having a load up top.

[flyfishing]

I have q5 with Thule rails vs OEM. Thule are waaaaaaaaaaay quieter and so much better. I just hunted on ebay for a deal.

Then I got Thule force xl cargo carrier. It is awesome. Looks cool too. Found it on craiglist for like <400 vs like 700 for practically brand new

[alphaVR]

Sensors in the roof rails? Lol that's a new one.

Highly recommend the Yakima Whispbars - They have a very nice, low profile option that looks very good on the Q5 and, most importantly, are effectively silent and introduce very little aero drag. As far as a box, that's up to you. Lots of options with a huge range in cost. Comes down more to what you need.

[buggravy]

Sensors in the roof rails? Lol that's a new one.

Just did a quick search, and for some reason only the UK site come up, but... https://www.audi.co.uk/glossary/e/es...detection.html

[flyfishing]

here it is on my q5

[buggravy]

here it is on my q5

That's a great looking car. No to hijack, but are those ecodes, or tinted ambers?

[flyfishing]

ecodes. they really transform the car. it's my wife's car and i need to get spacers for it. it has stage 1 tune and i want to do stage 2 when it's out of warranty.

[TriTexan]

Sensors in the roof rails? Lol that's a new one.

Highly recommend the Yakima Whispbars - They have a very nice, low profile option that looks very good on the Q5 and, most importantly, are effectively silent and introduce very little aero drag. As far as a box, that's up to you. Lots of options with a huge range in cost. Comes down more to what you need.

The pins are there. Wiring leads from those pins back to the ECU. And anecdotal evidence on multiple sites indicates this data is used.

But there's an easy test. Get someone with a Dragy to test their car with and without those pins engaged. No need to express doubt - we have science!

I'd do it with our car but its tuned and pullied and APR says they disable the roof rack pin feedback input in their tune.

[flyfishing]

thule ones dont need those pins AND they dont make the rack look like a rocket pointing upwards. also you can clear the hatch too b/c you can put the cross bars anywhere on the rails.