[mattyv]

So i've transferred by Thule load bars and feet form my old truck to the new and never needed a fairing before - but after a week or so of driving the load bars are howling like a starving wolf over 60+ mph -. So i figured a fiaring would solve the problem but created another one for me.

So the size that was recommended for my car was Thule 871XT (35" med)

I bought it assembled and laid it up on the roof only to find out that I can't get the feet forward enough to enable the fairing to sit ahead of the start of the factory chrome roof rails (and sun roof). So i figured i'd pull the load bars back behind the sunroof and mount the fairing there but it seems to be a bit wide, not to mention the new fairing's have this lame snowboard look to them that really looks tacky on the Touareg.

So I was thinking of buying a 44" fairing and using just the acrylic piece (while looks more angular and sharp) and mounting.

My questions are,
1) what kinds of roof racks are you all using
2) do you have the howling noise like me?
3) if so does a fairing help? Finally, if you have a fairing installed,
4) where is sitting relative to the roof rails and sunroof.

Thanks for your support.

 

[Yeti]

I am currently using a Yakima system with now discontinued Rail Rider towers. They just fit right into the tracks on the roof. I don't use a fairing at all, but to be honest my rails sit just behind the sunroof. I also on use the rack for ski mounts in the winter. I have a Yakima hitch mount to carry my bikes. I don't own the factory rails at all anymore. I don't miss them either.

 

[norsecarnut]

thule requires the ends for the structure.

you should easily be able to get the lead edge in front of the sunroof by having the mounts all the way forward on the rails. i trust you are using the mounts that have the strap which goes under and reconnects.

if not, you can actually use feet/tower type mounts instead of the rails altogether by removing the silver stock rails. you can then get the towers much further forward, aft, and such as desired. this also lowers the overall set up so you aren't putting bars on clamps on top of rails. you remove one level and lower the load.

to me, the thule is not as good for all uses on the touareg due to the severe curve in the roof, yakima round bars are better because the angle does not affect attachments in regard to alignments. the flat top on the thule will not be level to the ground and especially not to the aft mounts because of the curve. the round bars are quieter too i think.

(if all you put on top is a cargo box, then the bar shape doesn't matter but other mounts that need to line up like bikes and some others would not like the stress of having to twist onto the square while bending down to flaten out towards the rear)

i wrote a DIY entry on how to remove the factory T2 rails which is in this forum in diy threads.

Like Yeti said, straight into the tracks. or, you might pick up a pair of the T1 model adjustable cross bars if all you need it to mount a cargo box.

 

[Chris344]

I have the new style Thule "Aero Bars". I really like the way they look.

Without the ski carriers they make a slight howling noise from about 60mph on up. With the ski carriers on they are near silent.

The only downside is a 1-2 mpg loss when on the highway.

You can see where I have them positioned in the picture.

 

[norsecarnut]

that's funny, South Carolina and ski carriers

I trust you go to Snowshoe some, maybe Wintergreen? When the snow is good Snowshoe is really a pretty good mountain. I haven't been since they opened the new area past Widowmaker

 

[Chris344]

Ha, yeah it is odd having ski racks around here.

I was actually in Snowshoe about a month ago over winter break. The weather and skiing were great. First time the Touareg saw snow.