Gobi Rack Wind Noise

BackpackingDad

BackpackingDad

New member
I recently participated in the Gobi group buy and installed my new rack this weekend. It's a think of beauty! I am so pleased with the construction, installation and workmanship on this bad boy! Thanks to [MENTION=59081]W8kbrder[/MENTION] for an excellent installation walk through!
I knew going in that there would be wind noise associated with this new addition. However, I will admit that it was more than I expected. I'm curious to know if there are those on the forum who might have done something to address this issue. I would love to hear your feedback and thank you in advance for your input!
 
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Did you install the fairing? It will reduce the noise tremendously if installed correctly. If you get the stealth rack with the option to install a 40" LED light bar, installing the light bar would lower the noise some more
 
slipnslide said:
Did you install the fairing? It will reduce the noise tremendously if installed correctly. If you get the stealth rack with the option to install a 40" LED light bar, installing the light bar would lower the noise some more
Click to expand...

I did install the fairing. Actually drove around without it initially because I didn't have time to finish the project. The noise was reduced once it was installed... just not as much as I thought it would be. This is not the best picture of what it looks like but I did my best to follow each direction and close to specs as I could. It's hard to know the optimal angle.
 

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Most whistle happens because of the eddies and whatnot caused by the bars. I found without my 40" light bar you'll get more noise.

That said, if you want dead silence get a true soccer mom vehicle. But mine doesn't whistle too bad with all the shit I have strapped or bolted on mine.
 
Agreed. Looks like the fairing was installed correctly. The noise is from the wind running across all the tubings on the top bar. It was loud for me also with the fairing but I got used to it. However, I just installed the 40" led bar on top, which closes the gap between the fairing top and the upper tubing, the wind noise dropped! I guess you'd need some block off plate in the top area if you don't plan on installing light bar. Look up the Nissan Xterra for the idea on the close-up plates

I'll get some photos when I get to the 4Runner today
 
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I either close my sunroof or turn up my radio. Both typically solve my whistle problem, the screaming baby in the back seat never hurts either.
 
From what i can see on my phone, it looks like you still have your removable crossbars installed? Try removing them or altering their location, that may help. I took mine off prior to our run to Death Valley this weekend, and though i can hear the increased wind noise over 60 mph, it's not bad enough to elicit comment from my wife... and if she's happy, I'm happy!!
 
Try wrapping a black bungee cord around the top cross bar, it will cause turbulence and reduce the wind noise. I don't have a Gobi, I made mine but was amazed how much it reduces the noise by this simple trick.

100_3092.jpg~original
 
EL CID said:
From what i can see on my phone, it looks like you still have your removable crossbars installed? Try removing them or altering their location, that may help. I took mine off prior to our run to Death Valley this weekend, and though i can hear the increased wind noise over 60 mph, it's not bad enough to elicit comment from my wife... and if she's happy, I'm happy!!
Click to expand...


Good point! On my stock roof bars, there are markings from Toyota on the optimal locations for the cross bars to get minimal wind noise. You can use that as the starting point. I'll measure it when I get home today and post them here.
 
EL CID said:
From what i can see on my phone, it looks like you still have your removable crossbars installed? Try removing them or altering their location, that may help. I took mine off prior to our run to Death Valley this weekend, and though i can hear the increased wind noise over 60 mph, it's not bad enough to elicit comment from my wife... and if she's happy, I'm happy!!
Click to expand...

That's a good point. I didn't think about that! I'll do some research on optimal positions of the cross bars or remove them all together when not in use. Thanks for pointing that out.
I also like [MENTION=124732]LawnDart[/MENTION] recommendation. Buy a light bar and everything is better. Genius!
 
Bummer that its so loud. I thought mine would be with the light bar on top but its not bad at all. I vote, light bar.
 
Bungee Trick

morphious said:
Try wrapping a black bungee cord around the top cross bar, it will cause turbulence and reduce the wind noise. I don't have a Gobi, I made mine but was amazed how much it reduces the noise by this simple trick.

100_3092.jpg~original
Click to expand...

Very Interesting! Worth a try. Thanks for the advice.
 
(Don't mean to hijack) I'm in the market for a roof rack and that first picture has me puzzled. Im between Gobi and Drabbits. Is that front tubing above the wind deflector that much higher than the back of the Gobi? I knew it was there from other pictures but your angle makes it look more drastic. I'm looking for a rack so I can put a pair of stand up paddle boards on top, but with that much of an incline, I think it will make the boards get caught in the wind more. Any thoughts?
 
I installed yesterday as well. Just when I thought I was done spending for a while I learn the best fix to the whistling that my wife mentions is a light bar.

Being a good husband, I have to solve her problem by throwing a light bar in. Darn.
 
Cross Bars

Wind noise update: So removing the cross bars made a huge difference. Now to play with positioning because I hate to leave them off permanently. If anyone has found the sweet spot... Share the love.
 
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