Recommendation for Reducing Noise with Thule Square Bar Roof Rack on 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee

Updated 08/12/2019 | Published 08/10/2019

Products Featured in This Question

Evo Raised Rail Feet for Thule Crossbars - Factory Raised Rails - Qty 4

(227)

$264.95

Thule WingBar Evo Crossbars - Aluminum - Black - 47" Long - Qty 2

(1280)

$279.95

Thule SquareBar Evo Crossbars - Steel - 47" Long - Qty 2

(272)

$179.95

AirScreen XT for Thule Crossbars - 38" Long

(96)

$159.95

Question:

I Purchased a universal crossroad roof rack system from Thule but Im not sure I chose correctly I got a part#TH710401 with square crossbars and makes lots of noise. Any suggestions for my rails in specific? This is a 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee with factory raised Rails

asked by: Franky-J

Expert Reply:

The Thule Evo Raised Rail Feet # TH710401 and Square Crossbars # TH712200, are the correct parts for a square bar roof rack on your 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee.

The source of all the noise you're hearing is simply due to the nature of square bars in general. Their design offers a sturdy, versatile system but they are far from the quietest creatures on the road.

Right now you have a couple of options to reduce this noise. If you'd rather not swap out any of what you already have you can simply add the Thule AirScreen Fairing # TH72WV. This will mount right to the square crossbars and rest against its front to deflect wind around the roof, greatly reducing this noise and the drag you're getting on the highway.

The other option, which is what I recommend, is to keep your Thule Crossroad Feet but swap out the square crossbars with the Thule WingBar Evo Crossbars # TH711220. These aerodynamic bars feature a tapered TrailEdge shape and rubber WindDiffuser strips, both of which are specifically designed to create one of the quietest roof racks on the market. The integrated T-slots on these bars also allow for convenient mounting of most roof accessories (instead of using hardware that clamps around the bars).

I have attached a short video demonstration that you can check out as well.