How to Reduce Wind Noise for Roof Rack on a 2018 Ford Escape

Question

Question:

I have a 2018 Ford Ecaspe with factory installed rails. I recently purchased Malone square crossbars, I like them except for the fact that they are very noisy when I drive. What style or brand can I purchase where I will not have this issue?

asked by: Emma

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Expert Reply:

There are a few different ways to help reduce the wind noise that you are hearing with the Malone SteelTop Roof Rack # MPG201 installed on your 2018 Ford Escape.

The first solution is to use a fairing to help deflect the wind. For your Escape you will need a 40" length which I recommend the Inno Fairing # INA261 as it uses a very universal style mounting system that is easy to use. Attached is a review video for you to check out.

The next best option is to use the Malone AirFlow2 Roof Rack # MPG215 which uses aero-style crossbars that do a much better job at reducing both wind noise and drag. The Malone AirFlow2 bars are good but they are more of an entry level crossbar.

The best option is to use a roof rack from Yakima because they not only have premium aero-style crossbars but they also have specific fit instructions for the legs of the system to make sure your crossbars are adjusted just right. For your application you will need the TimbreLine Towers # Y33TR which can be used with the 50" # Y00421 or 60" # Y00422 CoreBars or the 50" # Y00425 or 60" # Y00426 JetStream bars. The difference between these 2 bar styles is that the JetStream bars have a T-Slot for accessories while the CoreBar doesn't. Attached are review videos for you to check out. You can add locks to the towers using the SKS Lock Cores # Y07204.

Even with the aero-style bars I still recommend using the WindShield # Y05017 to further reduce any wind noise. The aero bars are much better for wind noise than your square bars but they won't completely eliminate it. This combination does a great job though. I have attached some additional videos on installing a Yakima roof rack for you to reference.

expert reply by: Jon G

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Answer 1

Although the Malone AirFlow2 Roof Rack #MPG215 will fit your 2018 Ford Escape technically, the manufacturer has since updated their fit to state that these bars are not a good fit for your vehicle. Instead, they recommend going with the: -Malone…

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Answer 2

For both your 2017 Ford Escape as well as 2009 Saturn Vue that has raised factory side rails the Malone AirFlow 2 roof rack part #MPG215 is a confirmed fit. This is a really great and economically priced solution that fits both vehicles. I attached…

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Answer 3

The top bracket of the Inno Fairing part #INA262 is pretty thin so if you had a cargo box resting on top of it the angle of the front of it would not be adversely affected. So long story short this would not be an issue for a cargo box.

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Answer 4

Yes, they absolutely will; the 50 inch long crossbars of the Malone AirFlow roof rack will indeed fit your 2022 Subaru Forester Wilderness, with the correct part being the following: - Malone AirFlow2 Roof Rack #MPG215 I verified this fit directly…

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Answer 5

The difference between the Class II and Class III hitches has to do with their Gross Trailer Weight (GTW), their Tongue Weight (TW), and their Hitch Receiver Size. Class II trailer hitch receivers have a 1-1/4 inch receiver and can be rated up to…

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Answer 6

The Malone Universal Crossbar System #MPG201 is a more economical choice but it still does a good job. The design and quality of Thule's system is why they have such a large difference in price. Whether you go with the Thule Crossroads system…

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Answer 7

That's ironic because currently (March 2022) Thule doesn't have a fit listed for the 2022 Subaru Forester Wilderness. With that being said, from our research it looks like the Wilderness models on the newer Subaru vehicles won't affect…

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