Forum Discussion

Oasisbob's avatar
Oasisbob
Explorer
Dec 27, 2020

ROOF RACK WHISTLES

I have a square tube set of THULE roof bars purchased in 2001. I recently mounted them on our 2018 Ford Explorer using different mounts. For whateverreason the cross bars whistle above 40 MPH. They did not make noise on previous vehicles. I notice newer cross bars are oval shaped. Any thoughts on how to deflect the wind and eliminate this minor annoyance? I just turn up the radio. My wife is not a fan of that. LOL Go figure. Anyone else had and eliminated this problem? I thought about pool noodles over bars but my wife frowns on that.
  • Bobbo's avatar
    Bobbo
    Explorer II
    Dec 27, 2020
    I wrapped mine with 1/4" poly rope. Worked like a champ. What you are wanting to do is disrupt the smooth air flow over the bars. A pool noodle is smooth, the poly rope wrapped around the bars is an uneven surface. I even found black rope to match the black bars so it is less noticeable.

  • TUCQUALA's avatar
    TUCQUALA
    Explorer
    Dec 27, 2020
    Almost the same as Bobbo, but used 1/4" bungie cord from sports/outdoor store. Tight on racks, easy to do!! Most vehicles with an external radio antenna have a corkscrew shape to the antenna shaft to disrupt air flow and lower or eliminate noise. Made a big difference on our square bars!!!

  • rexlion's avatar
    rexlion
    Explorer
    Dec 27, 2020
    Executive wrote:
    Any particular tune it whistles?..:W....Dennis
    It's a truck, it probably is off-key most of the time anyway! Unless he's had it tuned... :D
  • bikendan's avatar
    bikendan
    Explorer
    Dec 27, 2020
    Oasisbob wrote:
    I have a square tube set of THULE roof bars purchased in 2001. I recently mounted them on our 2018 Ford Explorer using different mounts. For whateverreason the cross bars whistle above 40 MPH. They did not make noise on previous vehicles. I notice newer cross bars are oval shaped. Any thoughts on how to deflect the wind and eliminate this minor annoyance? I just turn up the radio. My wife is not a fan of that. LOL Go figure. Anyone else had and eliminated this problem? I thought about pool noodles over bars but my wife frowns on that.


    Thule AirScreen

    https://www.thule.com/en-us/roof-rack/roof-racks-and-accessories/thule-airscreen-xt-s-_-870200
  • Oasisbob's avatar
    Oasisbob
    Explorer
    Dec 28, 2020
    Thank you one and all I will try the cheaper suggestions first. Much apreciated
  • wowens79's avatar
    wowens79
    Explorer III
    Dec 28, 2020
    If you can move it forward or backwards on the vehicle it can help.
    Great idea on the ropes around it.
  • IAMICHABOD's avatar
    IAMICHABOD
    Explorer II
    Dec 28, 2020
    How about some vortex generators like Air Tabs on the roof in front of the roof rack.

    I have seen on the TC sub forum that they have used them under the front overhang and also the jacks on the side of the TC it eliminated the whistling they create.

    I have them on the rear of my RV and in discussions with others that have them they comment on the noise and whistling reduction.

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