Volkswagen Passat Variant with Menabo Jackson bars and Menabo Marathon Dark 460 roof box

On a dark-coloured Volkswagen Passat Variant we fitted a set of Menabo Jackson roof bars and the Menabo Marathon Dark 460 roof box. The fitting was done in the SuportBicicleta.ro showroom, which you can now find at Drumul Lunca Corbului 2, Sector 3, Bucharest, Romania.

About the car: Volkswagen Passat Variant

The estate version of the Volkswagen Passat is sold under the name Variant and has 5 doors; Volkswagen offered it on the B6, the B7 and the B8. The photos of this fitting only show the roof of a dark-coloured Variant, with raised black roof rails, with no headlights or tail lights, so we cannot say for sure which generation the car is.

For the fitting, the type of roof says more than the generation. Raised roof rails leave a gap between them and the roof, and the roof bars fix directly onto them, without clamps in the door frames. When you put a long box on an estate, position it so that the tailgate opens freely and does not touch the rear part of the box.

What we fitted on this Passat Variant

We fixed a set of Menabo Jackson roof bars onto the roof rails. The product page of the Marathon box lists Menabo Jackson bars among the compatible ones, alongside Menabo Tema, Delta, Sherman, Tiger, Thule WingBar or Yakima ThruBar.

On top we fitted the Menabo Marathon Dark 460 roof box, made of matt black ABS plastic, with a volume of 460 litres, opening on one side and a lock. In the box you will find two fitting systems: 60 mm U-bolt and 20 mm T-bolt, for bars with a T-track. For thicker bars an 80 mm U-bolt fitting is available as an option, item 000065000000.

The Marathon takes wheeled suitcases, bags and everything that no longer fits in the boot of the Passat when you head for the sea or the mountains. If you still wonder whether it is worth it, we have gathered the arguments in 6 reasons why a roof box is worth buying.

Video: Menabo Marathon roof box, presentation

Technical details and what to watch for

• Menabo Marathon Dark 460: 460 litres, ABS plastic, matt black, lock included, height of about 36 cm.
• Fittings included: 60 mm U-bolt and 20 mm T-bolt; the 80 mm U-bolt fitting is optional, item 000065000000.
• The box opens on the right, that is, from the pavement side when you park on the right-hand side of the street.
• The luggage and the weight of the Marathon box add up and must stay below the load of the roof bars and below the roof load allowed in the Passat's technical documentation; for the maximum load of the box, consult the PDF data sheet or ask us before loading.
• With the box on the roof, the Passat Variant becomes about 36 cm taller plus the bars; take this into account at underground car parks and garages.
• The fitting instructions for Menabo Mania/Marathon 400L-460L and the specifications are on the product page, as PDFs.

Instructions and documents

• MENABO MANIA MARATHON 400 460 fitting instructions (PDF)
• Menabo Marathon 400 L 460 L specifications (PDF)

Frequently asked questions

Can I fit Menabo Jackson bars on a Volkswagen Passat Variant with roof rails?

Yes, on a Volkswagen Passat Variant with raised roof rails we fitted a set of Menabo Jackson roof bars in the showroom, fixed directly onto the roof rails. On top of them we put the Menabo Marathon Dark 460 box, which has the Jackson bars in its compatibility list.

What fittings does the Menabo Marathon Dark 460 roof box have?

The Menabo Marathon Dark 460 roof box comes with two fitting systems included: a 60 mm U-bolt and a 20 mm T-bolt. For thicker bars, the 80 mm U-bolt fitting, item 000065000000, can be ordered separately.

Which side does the Menabo Marathon Dark 460 box open on?

The Menabo Marathon Dark 460 box opens on one side only, the right. On a Volkswagen Passat Variant parked on the right, this means you load it from the pavement, not from the traffic side.

Can a roof box be used all year round?

Yes, a roof box such as the Menabo Marathon Dark 460 is made of ABS plastic that is resistant to rain and snow, so you can use it in any season, on a Passat or on another compatible car. You will find more details in the guide 6 reasons why a roof box is worth buying.

We are waiting for you in the showroom

Do you have a Volkswagen Passat Variant and want to go on holiday with your luggage on the roof? We are waiting for you in the SuportBicicleta.ro showroom at Drumul Lunca Corbului 2, Sector 3, Bucharest, Romania, so that we can choose together roof bars and roof boxes that suit you. Contact us through our contact page or at [email protected]. contact us through our contact page or at [email protected].

You can also message us on WhatsApp.

Sources: Wikipedia: Volkswagen Passat (B8), the Variant name · Fitting photo: Passat Variant with black roof rails · Guide: 6 reasons to buy a roof box · product pages on suportbicicleta.ro