How to Decrease Wind Noise When Using Rhino-Rack Vortex Bars

Question:

Instead of installing the long rubber strip in the groove along the top of the cross bars I used the sliding cylinders with screw heads that came with my Lockrack system for my kayak. It seems to work well but I get a high pitched noise while driving as the air passes the sidebars. Is this a common problem if so any solution? Your directions were clear and easy to follow and attach to my roof. Quality materials.

asked by: Cheryl B

Expert Reply:

Yes! The Vortex Strips in your Vortex Aero Bars # RRVA137B-2 help cut down on wind noise when driving. What I've noticed is that without the strips, it's like the bars catch some of the air and send it whistling through the C channels.

What will help with that is to cut the rubber strips from your crossbars and fit them around the clamps on your Lockrack Carrier. Even if you're using the T-bolts to mount the carrier, you can still push in the rubber strips after the carrier is installed to make sure you get the closest fit. If you run out of the included rubber strips or you cut it up too much, we have extra Vortex strips # RRM626!

If it's your Lockrack system that's making the noise, some of Lockrack's carriers have removeable arms. Any carrier is going to make some kind of wind noise at high speeds, so the best practice is to just to keep as little up there when you're not hauling anything.

expert reply by: Evangeline M