G8RB8_12SR5
New member
I remember reading a thread about these because someone wanted to know what brand they were on a Hilux in AUS, so I looked into it. Low and behold, for Christmas I received the Yakima Whispbar Through bars for my 4R from the fiance (she's a winner). They are fantastic and super quiet. For those that don't know they're airfoil/tear drop shape rather than just oval like OEM) Since it's easier and more people read lists I'll just rattle off PROs and CONs.
PROs
- Locks - out of the box it comes with the locks to lock it down to the side rails (when you see the Cons you'd hope it does)
- Quiet - Actually quieter than the stock cross bars, instead of hearing any wind noise up top I hear more road noise from the tires (which are still stock till they wear out)
- MPG doesn't change - I got the stock crossbars removed and new ones installed by the dealer (for free) the day after Christmas (I didn't waste time) and have driven about 1000 miles since with them on. Calculated my mpg based on miles driven/gallons pumped as a verifier to the computer based on on the truck. Comparing it too my mileage logs (since several of the longer highway trips completed in the time frame I've done several times before) I netted out about a .3 mpg drop which is negligble. The bars are spaced at the sticker for best aero position on the front and slid all the way back on the back bar.
- Load capacity - Stock bars are 60kgs max capacity (132.2lbs). Whispbar through bars are 75kgs (165.4 lbs). This is awesome for the modular system the rack allows (whether you load kayaks or a basket or whatever fits your fancy). It also effectively negates the weight of a roof basket (either Yakima Loadwarrior at 32lbs or THULE M.O.A.B at 45lbs) so you can truly put 132lbs of gear up there (at least for the Loadwarrior). They make a heavy duty design that can hold even more.
- Height -This can be considered a pro or a con, for me it's a pro. The net height gained in about 3" for a total truck height of 75" (my 4R is stock..for now). The nice part I discover about this 3" gain is that when I go to the wash-it-yourself car wash the brush now fits under the bars, which will be nice after I add a basket. The other thing is the height raises the bars above the shark fin antenna so it is no longer the limiting factor for attaching something like a basket with extension to the bars.
-Looks - The brushed aluminum with black caps looks close to OEM, I don't really care but it's a nice touch and very quality feel
Cons
- Price - At nearly $500 it can be tough to consider since a base Yakima or Thule Rack will run you less than $300 but I think it you want something quiet that will last for the long haul that's quiet it could be worth your while.
EDIT: For those that want part numbers they are S17 Bars (51.75" of usable bar length, S18 gives you 56" of usable bar length) and the K328 Fit kit in order to secure them to the OEM roof rails.
Anyway on to the pics:
PROs
- Locks - out of the box it comes with the locks to lock it down to the side rails (when you see the Cons you'd hope it does)
- Quiet - Actually quieter than the stock cross bars, instead of hearing any wind noise up top I hear more road noise from the tires (which are still stock till they wear out)
- MPG doesn't change - I got the stock crossbars removed and new ones installed by the dealer (for free) the day after Christmas (I didn't waste time) and have driven about 1000 miles since with them on. Calculated my mpg based on miles driven/gallons pumped as a verifier to the computer based on on the truck. Comparing it too my mileage logs (since several of the longer highway trips completed in the time frame I've done several times before) I netted out about a .3 mpg drop which is negligble. The bars are spaced at the sticker for best aero position on the front and slid all the way back on the back bar.
- Load capacity - Stock bars are 60kgs max capacity (132.2lbs). Whispbar through bars are 75kgs (165.4 lbs). This is awesome for the modular system the rack allows (whether you load kayaks or a basket or whatever fits your fancy). It also effectively negates the weight of a roof basket (either Yakima Loadwarrior at 32lbs or THULE M.O.A.B at 45lbs) so you can truly put 132lbs of gear up there (at least for the Loadwarrior). They make a heavy duty design that can hold even more.
- Height -This can be considered a pro or a con, for me it's a pro. The net height gained in about 3" for a total truck height of 75" (my 4R is stock..for now). The nice part I discover about this 3" gain is that when I go to the wash-it-yourself car wash the brush now fits under the bars, which will be nice after I add a basket. The other thing is the height raises the bars above the shark fin antenna so it is no longer the limiting factor for attaching something like a basket with extension to the bars.
-Looks - The brushed aluminum with black caps looks close to OEM, I don't really care but it's a nice touch and very quality feel
Cons
- Price - At nearly $500 it can be tough to consider since a base Yakima or Thule Rack will run you less than $300 but I think it you want something quiet that will last for the long haul that's quiet it could be worth your while.
EDIT: For those that want part numbers they are S17 Bars (51.75" of usable bar length, S18 gives you 56" of usable bar length) and the K328 Fit kit in order to secure them to the OEM roof rails.
Anyway on to the pics:
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