I don't have roof rails on my 2012 Cayenne. Has anyone used a Yakima or Thule rack on a Cayenne without roof rails. It looks like they have a fit for the Cayenne without the roof rails on their website, but it attaches to the edges of the roof by the doors. Any thoughts?

Thanks.

The big difference is that with those clamp ons you are limited to about 100lbs which isn't much when you factor in the weight of your box/basket/rack before you even add your actual cargo.

That's why I always recommend getting the roof rails from the factory (220lbs), but since you don't have them you don't have much of an option.

I don't know about the Cayenne, but I had a set of clamp on Thule rails on a used car I bought that were pretty solidly connected (I never put anything on it though).

I don't doubt your info, but where did you find the 100lbs limit for the clamp on racks? I had read another thread you posted on and went looking when I was building out my CTTS, wasn't sure if I wanted the rails. In the end, I did follow your recommendation and opted fro them.

I had to call the manufacturers to find out. I was actually calling to see what their approved speed rating was (which Porsche also makes that information available). They were sketchy about that though and wouldn't give a firm number.

Really sucks that they don't make the information easier to find.

Porsche, as you may know, has two different systems. One, roof rails, run parallel to the body along the tracks and you use Yakima or Thule or... cross bars and different carriers (ski, bike, kayak...) on them. I have and use the Porsche Roof Transport System which are the heavy-duty rails that run left-right across the body. You then mount either directly to them or you can choose your system. I like bot but prefer the Transport System. The best answer to your question would be to call Yakima or Thule (most people prefer one over the other although I find them identical) and ask them about their capabilities. Gutter mounts (to me) not only look ... lesser... but also have a much lower load capability. I like knowing I'm using the factory equipment capable of hauling my expensive toys without damage.

That's how it worked on the 955/957. In the 958 the rails (running lengthwise) are a factory only option that can't be retrofitted. You can use any cross bar on them that you want.

He was asking about the clamp on style mounts (gutter mounts) because he doesn't have the factory rails.

That makes no sense (not doubting you). Are you saying that the current model Cayenne has no roof channels like all the other models? There are plenty of Cayenne 2011-2012 rails - new - for sale on Ebay.

Yeap that's what it is.

I stumbled on those rails the other day and don't understand them. There is nothing to mount them to if you don't already have rails.

I have to believe it is possible to retrofit, but Porsche doesn't do it and you'd have to cut apart a with and without roof to see if the mounting points under the skin are indeed there.