Reducing Noise From Rhino Rack Vortex Series Roof Rack Crossbar Kits

Question:

I have this rack for my 2017 wrangler unlimited. works great - but the wind noise is particularly bad. which wind guard would go with this? do you recommend it?

asked by: Jeff

Expert Reply:

Generally, aero bars are as quiet as they can get, but there's a few extra steps you can take to try and reduce the noise from your Rhino Rack SG Roof Rack Kit, part # RRSG59.

- If you're experiencing a high pitched whistle that seems to come from near one of the connection points, you may not have a great fit to that particular leg. You can improve performance by repeating the installation of the rack, focusing on alternating tightening down the two legs, doing half of the turns required on one, and then half on the other, then returning to the first leg. This can help improve the fit and reduce noise.

- If you have any accessories installed in the channel, you can improve performance by making sure that you've cut your vortex strip as close as possible to the position you install the accessory to. By the same token, if you've had the rack for a while, the rubber does degrade over time. Either problem can be addressed by getting a replacement strip, part # RRM626 for the top channel. This is a 15-3/4 inch strip and regrettably Rhino Rack doesn't offer longer strips. You'll simply cut the damaged parts of the strip out, and replace with the new strip.

- As a last step, you can technically use a fairing with your roof rack, though with Aero bars, we don't recommend it as it interrupts their aerodynamic properties. They do tend to play better with the Vortex series bars as they are more elliptical shaped. Your crossbar will work with part # RRRF4, the 50 inch fairing. This will ride in line with the edge of your crossbars, and deflect wind off of the front bar.

expert reply by: Jacob W