Yakima ski rack

[coldbivy]

I just installed Yakima ski carriers on the factory rack on my 2005 Runner.

At Interstate speeds, I get a low pitched rumble, which I believe to be the roof panel vibrating. It dissapears as soon as I remove the ski carriers. Anyway, it gives me a headache.

I've thought about either adding a wind screen or adding aftermarket rack bars to help with this problem. If this won't work, I might have to go to a hitch mounted carrier.

Have any of you noticed a similar problem and how did you fix it?

 

[CGY_LTD_V8]

We always noticed extra vibrations with our ski racks (Yakima and Thule) when they were attached to the oem roof rack. Was still somewhat noticeable when we mounted the ski rack onto an aftermarket crossbar and onto the factory rack. This looked funny though. Now went to a pack-a-sport fibre glass box and its great. Feels a lot more sturdy.

 

[MAC4Runner]

I've had Yakima powder hounds mounted to my stock T4R roof rack for over 2 years and have not experienced a low pitched rumble. I do get a whistle above 70 MPH when I'm not carrying skis.

Double check your install. Something doesn't sound right.

 

[coldbivy]

Rumble

MAC4Runner: Something is definitely not right. I also have Powder Hounds. I originally attached them with the wrong mighty mounts, which were from my previous car so I thought that might be the cause. I recently bought the correct ones, and there was no improvement.

I never noticed the same sound on my previous car with the identical installation. I've double checked to ensure that everything, including the rack crossbars are tight. I may double check the factory rack to make sure it is tight after work. I'd like to check the bolts holding it on, but I don't feel like removing the headliner.

If this problem is not endemic to all 4th Gens, then it may be the vehicle.

CGY_LTD_V8, did you add the luggage box to the factory rack? I'd like to do this, but I'm not sure the combo will fit through my garage door.

 

[slowginjoe]

i've got the yakimas on stock roof racks too. no vibrations. make sure your two roof rack bars are lined up with the respective dots on the inside of the tracks.

 

[Koz]

Do you have the Yakima wind deflector/spoiler attached? It should help with any rumble or whistle. I had the rack on a car without the deflector and experienced both rumble & whistle and added the deflector, no more noise.

Koz

 

[cruzmissile]

Ditto on Koz's response. I too got a headache with the rumble (vibration) from the rack at highway speeds.

 

[GYoter]

My Thule racks have the vibration/rumble sound. It did not happen on my old car. I tried adjusting where the racks were located on the roof but it didnt really help. I would try the fairings but those only attach to the aftermarket cross bars so i just have to deal with it during the winter and take off the racks in the summer. It would be nice to get it to stop tho...

 

[Koz]

For $50 Yakima has a clip on fairing that may be able to be attached to the OEM front bar (A little massaging may be needed).

http://www.yakima.com/home.html

Koz

 

[rider]

Hi all,

New to the forum, my first post.

I just picked up my new rig last week. This forum had a positive influence on my decision to buy a 4Runner. Thanks for all of the great info.

I can't wait to initiate it on Red Cone Pass next summer.

I installed Thule Flat Top 6 on the factory crossbars using Fat Mouth adapters. I also am experiencing a nasty rumbling noise from these. I have tried various positions. It seems more tolerable with the crossbars in the factory position (lined up with the dots) and with skis on. I went skiing Monday by myself and the noise was not too bad. When I got home I took off the skis and went to the store. Within a mile the rumble started at 45mph. I felt the roof liner and it was vibrating like a subwoofer. It was so uncomfortable, I immediately turned around and took the racks off and the noise/vibration disappeared. I am going skiing Friday and will have 2 pairs of skis on the rack and a friend for a 2nd opinion. I will see if 2 skis reduces the noise further. I will post an update.

If using the rack with 2 skis is not too loud then I will take the racks off when not hauling skis or just cary the skis inside when possible. Otherwise I am considering the following options:

1) Make an adapter to mount a Thule fairing in fron of the rack. Other posts have indicated this fairing scratches the roof. True?

2) Return the Thules to REI and buy a Swagman ski rack to attach to my old Yakima trailer hitch bike rack. I bet the skis get pretty dirty.

Is the noise problem limited to recent year models? I see a lot of older 4Runners here with ski racks.

Has anyone had success with the Thule fairing? Any experience with a mounting adapter? Is scratching a probability?

Does anyone have experience with a Swagman or any other hitch mounted ski carrier?

Thanks in advance!

 

[Koz]

I have used an enclosed box and had no noise what-so-ever.

 

[rider]

Thanks for the suggestion Koz.

I just measured my garage door. It is 84" high. My crossbar height is 70". I haven't found a luggge box under 14" high so I think I'm SOL. I also plan to do a 2"-3" lift before spring so my roof top options are limited.

I will see how loud it is tomorrow with 2 pairs of skis and decide what to do after that.