Roof rack feedback

[Ti-Ben]

Just wanted to share my thoughts about my roofrack, a Rola.

Without

With

When I first installed it, I thought it looked very good, the shape suits the car very well. I was forseeing some additional noise and mileage hit... But not that much!!

I have a daystar lift (2,5-1,5) with 265/65/18 A/T tires, and when I installed the rack, it made the truck a lot more sensible to side winds, a lot noisier and I lost a solid 1 mpg. Plus I kept the sunroof blind closed, helped a bit with the sound.

I always have the impression that the engine is working harder, and the noise makes the ride less comfortable. At 65 mph, I feel like I'm driving at 100 mph, and can't relax behind the wheel.

I removed it and couldn't be happier to get back to the quiet, better mpg and more stable ride. Loved the look, but not at that price.

I'll keep it in case I really need it one day or if I get the chance to do a long expedition. I don't think it's Rola's design, it has a wind deflector and is one of the thinner. So unless you plan to really use it for what it's intended to do, I wouldn't do it if it's just for the look.

Anybody else with a roofrack would like to comment on this?

 

[drforton]

I have the same rack, and yes, it's louder when on the highway. But that's expected from any rack. I try to take mine off if I'm headed on a longer trip and don't need anything on the roof. If I go camping or need to use it for anything, I strap it on and roll with it. Right now it's off the truck, but will have to go back on soon, camping season is here :fishing:

 

[momo.75]

Yeah, those racks look really good but I can see where they would create a lot of drag. Both of your trucks look really good with and without.....:hungry:

 

[azshtr]

For daily use what if you took off the deflector. Perhaps that is what is causing the drag? I can see the deflector when you have luggage on top, but when nothing is loaded it may be causing more harm than good. The bars are thin as it is.

 

[KidVermicious]

So unless you plan to really use it for what it's intended to do, I wouldn't do it if it's just for the look.

Use a roof rack when it's needed instead of to make your truck look more expo? Brilliant!

/guinness commercial

 

[jrm]

I just bought a net

to use with the factory rack. Looks kinda mini vanish but works well. No more noise then the stereo and tires

 

[Ducmonsta]

I used to have a similar rack on my 3rd gen. It was a Thule with extension. I've found that any type of rack that stops short of the moonroof is loud and reall affects fuel economy. However, I now have a 5th gen with a GOBI. Since it extends to the windshield, there is very little noise at speed. Can't even hear it with the sunshade open. With it closed, it's not there. I will note that I'm running Nitto trail grapplers with a lift. That's way noisier than the roof rack.

As far as fuel economy, I'm happy to break the 13mpg mark. I didn't buy my 4R for fuel savings.

 

[zstampe]

I had the rola before my bajarack and the rola really was how you just described it. Now with my bajarack there is no more wind noise than the factory rack. Seriously..... Once you get up to the nicer racks like gobi and bajarack that are designed exactly for the vehicle it's a whole new ball game. My truck feels fine at highway speeds and with 33's and 4" of lift the mpg difference was negligible.

 

[Ron Helmuth]

You might try mounting the rack to the roof rails directly instead of the crossbars.

That extra couple of inches really makes a difference...it allows my lifted 3rd gen to fit in parking garages and my own.

Wind buffeting on my cheapo Costco rack is almost non existent. The sunroof wind deflector puts the air up and over the rack.

If I spent that kind of money on a rack I would want to show it off all the time...

 

[Ti-Ben]

You might try mounting the rack to the roof rails directly instead of the crossbars.

That extra couple of inches really makes a difference...it allows my lifted 3rd gen to fit in parking garages and my own.

Wind buffeting on my cheapo Costco rack is almost non existent. The sunroof wind deflector puts the air up and over the rack.

If I spent that kind of money on a rack I would want to show it off all the time...

Thanks, I'll see what I can do about it.

 

[zstampe]

Thanks, I'll see what I can do about it.

There's a guy on Toyota 120 that makes and sells the mounts specifically for the 4th gen and rola that accomplishes this.