Prius Prime Roof Rack & Cargo Box Combo that WORKS!

Discussion in 'Prime Accessories and Modifications' started by HappyJuice8000, Oct 14, 2017.

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  1. HappyJuice8000

    HappyJuice8000 Junior Member

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    Just in case someone was wondering how to optimize for both storage and wind reduction with a roof rack and cargo box on your Prime, I found a magic combo with a whole lot of trial and error.

    I went on a long road trip with my 2017 Prius Prime Premium. Due to the limited cargo capacity from the battery taking up much of the cargo area, I had to add roof storage.

    After I attached the Toyota OEM roof rack, I was getting a lot of whistling over 40mph.

    After I added the Yakima Sky Box (16 cu ft), there was whistling plus whooooooshing over 30mph.

    Then, I added the Rhino Rack wind fairing (38"). Miraculously, the wind noise vanished 100%. No wind noise up to 80 mph.
     

    Attached Files:

    #1 HappyJuice8000, Oct 14, 2017
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  2. Ferrarilover

    Ferrarilover Active Member

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    Where do you add the wind faring?

    Today I have been looking at the Thule roof bars and boxes. Think I will end up with the Touring M model box. Going to go for the square bars as they will never be on the car with out the roof box so it won’t make a difference.


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    #2 Ferrarilover, Oct 14, 2017
  3. HypersonicPrime

    HypersonicPrime Member

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    #3 HypersonicPrime, Oct 15, 2017
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  4. HappyJuice8000

    HappyJuice8000 Junior Member

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    The wind fairing attaches to the front bar with flat-ish adjustable brackets. The cargo box then sits on top of the attachment brackets. It was quite easy to attach, and the combination worked well together.

    Be warned that the roof rack attachment is not easy, due to the curvature of the roof. You must exercise great care to make sure you don't warp or scratch the very delicate attachment points. I think it would be very easy to warp the door frame with universal fit kits. One crank too much on the allen wrench, and you *will* warp the body of the car. Fortunately, the OEM rack comes with a very clever torque limiting wrench to reduce this effect.
     
    #4 HappyJuice8000, Oct 15, 2017
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  5. HypersonicPrime

    HypersonicPrime Member

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    I looked at the roof rack options and went with Toyota's. The bars are designed for the car, cheaper, and looked better to me.
     
    #5 HypersonicPrime, Oct 15, 2017
  6. Ferrarilover

    Ferrarilover Active Member

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    The Thule bars have a specific pack for the Prime / plug in to take account of the curved roof. They are also cheaper than the OEM ones if I go for the square ones. As I will never have the bars on without the box then the shape isn’t an issue for me. I would be interested in something that makes the box quieter though.


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    #6 Ferrarilover, Oct 15, 2017
  7. Pork_N_Beanz

    Pork_N_Beanz New Member

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    OEM Toyota roof rack I am now just looking for a cargo box
     

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    #7 Pork_N_Beanz, Nov 23, 2017
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  8. Pork_N_Beanz

    Pork_N_Beanz New Member

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    And here it is
    Yakima Skybox 16
     

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    #8 Pork_N_Beanz, Nov 24, 2017
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  9. Ferrarilover

    Ferrarilover Active Member

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    Could you be kind enough to provide some pictures and a review of the box... I am in the market


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    #9 Ferrarilover, Nov 24, 2017
  10. HypersonicPrime

    HypersonicPrime Member

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    FYI, the mpg reduction (which we expect) was greater than I anticipated for just a fairing. Here are some recent findings with my fairing and OEM rails.
     
    #10 HypersonicPrime, Nov 28, 2017
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  11. McCalls

    McCalls New Member

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    So, just for clarification... The OEM rack system with the Yakima box, and Rinho fairing is the combo to go with in order to experience no wind and smooth riding?
    Or, is the Best option the full Rinho getup?
     
    #11 McCalls, Mar 16, 2018
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  12. Umana

    Umana New Member

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    #12 Umana, Jun 6, 2018
  13. Umana

    Umana New Member

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    Have you driven thru a self washing Carwash with you OEM roof rack? Any issues?
     
    #13 Umana, Jun 6, 2018
  14. HypersonicPrime

    HypersonicPrime Member

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    After issues with brush-type car washes in previous cars, I do not use those types anymore. I don't think I'd go through a touchless (high pressure water) wash with the Yakima fairing, but I think just the OEM racks would be fine in the touchless wash. I mostly use the DIY washes with the wand you use yourself.
     
    #14 HypersonicPrime, Jun 9, 2018
  15. Bluebells2

    Bluebells2 Junior Member

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    What is the length of your Yakima skybox? It seems that it’s 81 inches is that correct. Does it feel too big?
     
    #15 Bluebells2, Jun 11, 2018
  16. jamiec123

    jamiec123 Member

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    #16 jamiec123, Apr 26, 2020
  17. Jdracer

    Jdracer Junior Member

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    Why the Rhino Rack wind fairing (38") and not the Rhino Rack wind fairing (44") I'm also getting ready to order.
    Looks like the 46" Yakima fits but the attachment is not as fitted as the Rhino Rack.
     
    #17 Jdracer, Sep 3, 2020
  18. Lue

    Lue Junior Member

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    Imma bring this thread back from the dead....


    Anyway, I’m super excited as I just ordered the OEM bars, a Yakima 46” fairing, and the Skybox 16. Can’t wait to install everything on my 4th Gen PlugIn.
     
    #18 Lue, Dec 1, 2020
  19. 1x1

    1x1 Member

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    Nice!

    Not sure you need the fairing with the OEM bars since they're aero - but it will look good.

    Box will eat 20% of your mpg.

    Please post on the wind noise you encounter. Cheers.
     
    #19 1x1, Dec 4, 2020
  20. Lue

    Lue Junior Member

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    Honestly I did the fairing mainly for looks. Im not too fond of the bars by themselves. I owned a Mini a few years back and I wrapped the stock bars so they wouldn't be grey. I plan on doing that here too. Purchased some carbon like wrap that matches the skybox pretty well so my bars will be wrapped in that material (I'll post pix)

    The box is mainly for when I really need the space. Beach/Weekend getaway type things.

    I'll try to post what I hear..
     
    #20 Lue, Dec 4, 2020
    Last edited: Dec 4, 2020
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