Difference between 2016 and 2017 Q7 Roof Rails
03-21-2018, 07:35 PM
#1
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Difference between 2016 and 2017 Q7 Roof Rails
Like the title says, what's the difference?
Thule lists two different "feet". My 2017 has the four covers that are used to attach the rails. For something I'm going to use twice a year, I'm fine to purchase a lesser expensive model; I won't be leaving them up there all year round.
I can find 2016 kits for under a hundred dollars. The Thule set costs over $400 and goes up if I want the Aero blades.
Thoughts? I'm about ready to pull the trigger on a 2016 aftermarket setup and see if I can get them to attach to my 2017, but all the manufacturers say they aren't compatible.
Thule lists two different "feet". My 2017 has the four covers that are used to attach the rails. For something I'm going to use twice a year, I'm fine to purchase a lesser expensive model; I won't be leaving them up there all year round.
I can find 2016 kits for under a hundred dollars. The Thule set costs over $400 and goes up if I want the Aero blades.
Thoughts? I'm about ready to pull the trigger on a 2016 aftermarket setup and see if I can get them to attach to my 2017, but all the manufacturers say they aren't compatible.
03-22-2018, 02:21 AM
#2
AudiWorld Senior Member
I researched this this a lot as well, and decided that 2017+ IS different than previous, and went with the 2017 OEM Audi rails (ordered on web, $100 cheaper), different attachment methods for sure. Nice rails, like them.
03-23-2018, 05:46 PM
#3
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The old design clamped onto the rails into little dimples. The newer design has little doors that flip up which expose a threaded nut. The cross bars screw into this but. The new style is a much more positive connection than the old clamp style.
The photo above shows the bottom of the NEW Style... you can see the silver bolt that is used to hold it down. Also, attached below is a MOVIE file that shows where this gets attached, and how the little flippy door closes..
Last edited by timshuwy; 03-24-2018 at 06:29 AM.
05-28-2018, 04:08 PM
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I thought I should close this one out.
I found a set of aftermarket rails with mounts that fit up to 2016. So, I spent $90 for aluminum aero style blades and purchased the Thule fitment kit. I did have to trim the top edge of the locking covers off the aftermarket kit with a razor to get a better fit. Other than that, it worked like a charm.
https://www.ikonmotorsports.com/alum...k-for-suv.html
https://www.thule.com/en-us/us/roof-...3145-_-3145999
Happy Motoring!
I found a set of aftermarket rails with mounts that fit up to 2016. So, I spent $90 for aluminum aero style blades and purchased the Thule fitment kit. I did have to trim the top edge of the locking covers off the aftermarket kit with a razor to get a better fit. Other than that, it worked like a charm.
https://www.ikonmotorsports.com/alum...k-for-suv.html
https://www.thule.com/en-us/us/roof-...3145-_-3145999
Happy Motoring!
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