Certainly, most car owners would agree that it’s a must to have a roof cargo box ready to use. The extra storage it provides simply outweighs the downsides of owning one. And one downside of using roof boxes is that they make wind noise as you cruise to your next destination. But have you ever wondered how to reduce roof box noise?
Here’s the Answer: Make sure to properly position the roof box on your vehicle’s roof rack. Optimal placement is necessary to find that sweet spot that reduces wind resistance.
You can also use wind deflectors that significantly cut down air turbulence, but make sure to invest in high-quality deflectors that are specific to your roof box model.
Of course there are other alternative options and we will dive into those but first let’s understand what’s causing the wind noise and if it’s possible to eliminate it totally.
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Understand How Each Component Works
To understand how roof box noise occurs, you have to first understand how the box is attached. There are several parts of a roof box, and they include the following:
The Fit Kit
The fit kit, which you’ll need to purchase if you have a flush roof that comes with no factory roof rack or built-in gutters. If you do have these items on your vehicle, you won’t need to purchase a fit kit. If you purchase one, however, keep in mind that they are specific to your vehicle and are not universal.
The Towers
The towers, which are attached to the fit kit and are universal. These are the items that keep your gear from flying away while you’re driving.
The Crossbars
The crossbars, which hold everything together and can be circular, aero, or square. Square bars are the least expensive kind, but can also make the most noise since they aren’t aerodynamic; circular bars are a happy medium between square and aero bars; and aero bars, although they are the most expensive, provide the best results: less noise, better fuel efficiency, and a more attractive design.
To connect the roof box to the base system, you need to purchase either T-track adapters or U-bolts, and here are the main differences between them:
T-track Adapters
T-track adapters: these adapters spread your load and, therefore, cut back on noise; they can even be used with aero crossbars and look sleek once they’re installed.
U-bolts
U-bolts: these are universal and can be used with all types of roof boxes; however, they are not usable with aero bars and they can sometimes scratch bars made of softer aluminum.
Once you’ve purchased everything you need, you can go ahead and fit the roof rack and box to your vehicle. In most cases, you can install everything yourself, but some large roof boxes may require two people to install correctly.
What Causes the Roof Box to Whistle
Open Slots/Channels
When air rushes through open slots or channels in a Roof rack, it can produce a high-pitched noise. While the noise may not affect some people, it can be rather uncomfortable for others and even make it difficult to concentrate while driving.
Poorly Fitted Straps/Loads
One common cause of roof rack noise is poorly fitted straps or loads. When the straps aren’t tight enough or the load isn’t secured properly, it can cause the load to vibrate against the roof rack. This can cause a variety of noises, including rattling, buzzing, or humming sounds. It’s important to properly secure your load to prevent these types of noises.
Another issue with poorly fitted straps or loads is the risk of damage to both the roof rack and the load. When the load isn’t secured tightly, it can shift during transit and potentially damage the roof rack or even fall off the vehicle. This can be dangerous for other drivers on the road and can also result in expensive repairs or replacements. It’s important to always double-check that your load is tightly secured before hitting the road.
Quick Tips on How to Quiet Down A Roof Rack: A Video
How to Reduce Roof Box Noise?
If you’re sure your towers and bars are secured the right way and your roof box is still making noise, there are a few things you can check on and change to eliminate that noise. The roof box has to be secured the right way as well, but here are a few suggestions when you’re looking for ideas on how to reduce roof box noise:
Weatherstripping: You can find weatherstripping in many stores, some made specifically for roof racks. It's excellent for reducing that whistling sound when you're driving. How? It messes with the wind and adds a soft rubber layer between your wind deflector or crossbars and your car, minimizing vibrations.
Paracord: For a budget-friendly fix to cut wind noise, try wrapping paracord around your wind deflector or crossbars. It messes with the wind hitting your roof rack, stopping the annoying whistling. Plus, paracord is cheap and versatile – handy for various things.
Edge Bars: Crossbars come in two main types: load bars and edge bars. Load bars can handle more weight but create more wind noise due to their shape. If you don't carry heavy stuff often, switch to edge bars. They're sleeker (usually circular or oval), making your ride quieter. Keep in mind, though, you might sacrifice some weight capacity for a quieter drive.
When you’re trying to research how to reduce roof box noise, most of the suggestions you find involve making sure everything is installed properly and tight and secure enough so that there is no chance of air moving through it. Everything that is permanently attached to your vehicle needs to be secured, as does the roof box itself.
If nothing works, you can always take your vehicle to a dealer so the professionals can make sure everything is attached and secure enough to keep your gear and your roof box as quiet as possible from then on.