Full length rack noise
- Thread starter vfly172
- Start date
krick3tt
Adventurer
I found the FR full length rack had a bit of a whistle at +35 MPH. Almost anything that is in the wind on your roof defeats the smooth lines of the vehicle and will probably make some wind noise. I try to keep the top hole closed on the LR to avoid most of the racket.
I think the size of the rack would depend on what you intend to carry. My OZ tent just fits on the full length rack, smaller would not cut it.
I think the size of the rack would depend on what you intend to carry. My OZ tent just fits on the full length rack, smaller would not cut it.
If you're concerned about wind noise you might also consider the factory LR3/4 rack, but cut down to remove the upper sections. It lays flush against the roof rails and since its all aluminum weights all of 4--50 lbs, but is very, very strong. It's dead quiet; I've never heard any noise from it in that configuration, even at 70+ mph. It's actually pretty quiet even with a rooftop tent on it. You can usually find them used for $4-500 and removing the upper section just requires drilling out some rivets.
DiscoDavis
Explorer
I have never ever seen the OEM rack for that price.
colb45
Observer
x2, I run a full size Voyager rack (contractor style) minimal wind noise, plus a 50" light bar. Can kinda hear it when the music is off, but after driving a Jeep for 60,000km+++ daily on the highways im deaf anyways...
I get wind noise when i have the RTT on the top.. but that thing is like adding a sail to the top of the LR
keeper1616
Observer
I run a full size front runner rack. I have found that if I keep ******** on it, it's quieter. Yeah, it surprised me too. Even just a pair of max-traxx up there disrupt flow enough that its quieter than without anything up there.
DiscoDavis
Explorer
2011, 2008, 2008
I don't see how that data set is helpful to someone asking about roof racks now in 2018. You said you can "usually find them" but he can't go back in time to when they were more common and better priced. It's a fair comment, those racks are very nice but compared to everything else it will be old, used, and expensive.
Baja FWIW was not bad on noise at all. My understanding of the FR one is the horizontal bars with no front to back bars creates a lot of noise, but they have better wind shields now.
I don't see how that data set is helpful to someone asking about roof racks now in 2018. You said you can "usually find them" but he can't go back in time to when they were more common and better priced. It's a fair comment, those racks are very nice but compared to everything else it will be old, used, and expensive.
Baja FWIW was not bad on noise at all. My understanding of the FR one is the horizontal bars with no front to back bars creates a lot of noise, but they have better wind shields now.
Last edited:
no-pistons
Adventurer
I have the full length Rhino Rack. It is fairly noisy but it’s not unbearable. I have gotten used to it. They informed me that they were working on a wind deflector for it, but I haven’t seen anything released yet
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Well Disco, like they say... "even a blind pig eventually finds an acorn." I guess I just got lucky last year; mine was cheap, easy to find, great condition, and rocks. They're definitely still out there.