Thule Fairing Recommendation for 2015 Audi A3 with Thule Aeroblade Roof Rack Installed

Question:

Hey guys! Trying to determine the reccomended fairing size for the arb53 aeroblade crossbars on my 2015 Audi A3 sedan. A dry fit of the 44inch thule airscreen looked too small for the spacing between the base towers, but maybe thats how its supposed to fit? Seems to me, from a physics perspective, you would want the fairing to obstruct as much of the bar as possible, so as to smooth the airflow in front of the bars. This made me think the 52inch airscreen must be the right size. But maybe thats not how they are designed to work. Appreciate the help! Thanks guys.

asked by: Adam

Expert Reply:

Ideally you have the fairing as wide as the feet of your roof rack. If the fairing is flush with the feet of the rack or is a bit narrower than the feet that's where you want to be. You don't want it extending past the feet though.

Since the crossbars of your roof rack are 53 inches then going with a 52 inch fairing would be too long. The 44 inch part # TH82WV would be the best option.

expert reply by: Jameson C