Will Installing a Wind Fairing Increase Kayak Stability

Updated 07/03/2020 | Published 07/02/2020

Question:

Hello, I drive a Toyota Highlander that I use to pull a small utility trailer that is set up with a kayak rack on the trailer instead of the roof of the vehicle. When I have kayaks loaded sideways across the top of the rack, they stick up above the roof line of the Highlander by several inches. When driving at highway speeds of 60 -75 mph, it seems like there is a noticeable wind drag. I was wondering if mounting a wind fairing, such as Thule or Rhino Rack, towards the rear of my roof could reduce this wind drag by pushing the airflow up and over my kayaks. Any thoughts or ideas would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

asked by: Glenn S

Expert Reply:

Yes, installing a wind fairing in front of the kayaks will help to guide the air up and over thereby helping improve stability. That said, the greater the distance between the wind fairing and kayaks, the less of an affect it will have. I am not sure why type of roof rack you are using but the Rhino-Rack Fairing for Roof Racks part # RRRF4 is the most universal option.

expert reply by: Conner L