Roof Rack Leaks Water And Is Very Noisy On 2013 Ford F-150 SuperCrew Truck

Question:

just installed new Thule rack system with Newest Aero blade, 1521kit and 480r parts. Installation and applicable measurements appear proper. On drive home, Wind noise/whistling was atrocious and when it started to rain, water came into the vehicle with ease. With that said, i will return to business who installed it to attempt to fix, however my question is this. If thier efforts fail to fix the problem, is it possible to go to Ford and have roof rails from another model example Explorer, Escape or Flex installed on the truck? Often those vehicles are purchased and later have the roof rails added. Ive never seen rails on the top of a truck but if they can add them to these vehicles after purchase then why not on the truck. Thanks much.

asked by: Mike O

Expert Reply:

It is really unusual to hear that there are water leaks when the roof rack has been properly installed on the truck. You may want to check the measurements again to make sure they are installed in the correct location on the roof of the vehicle and attached correctly to the seam above the door.

Concerning the noise, we have a fairing that helps reduce the noise quite a lot. It is part # TH22WV. This fairing is 52 inches long and easily attaches to the front crossbar of the roof rack and has rubber bumpers that protect the vehicle paint finish.

As far as having Ford install a roof rack, I am not sure if they are able to install a roof rack on your F-150. That would need to be something you can discuss with your dealership.

expert reply by: Jeffrey L

Ed W.

2/19/2024

Oh it leaks! Even Thule had admitted it

Mike L.

2/20/2024

@EdW Thule tells us that if the roof rack is installed according to their instructions, it shouldn't leak. We're very curious to know who you spoke with.....