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Cargo Cross Bars - wind noise level?

Discussion in 'Prime Accessories and Modifications' started by GreatLakesDave, Jan 21, 2017.

  1. GreatLakesDave

    GreatLakesDave Junior Member

    Joined:
    Nov 11, 2016
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    Vehicle:
    2017 Prius Prime
    Model:
    Prime Premium
    I'm wondering how the Prime's factory Cargo Cross Bars compare with aftermarket roof racks (such as Thule or Yakima) for wind noise. I have Thule racks on my Prius Gen 2 and they're really awful! Anyone with a shiny new Prime have any experience with the factory cross bars yet? I'll be getting my prime soon and have to decide whether to go with those or wait for a compatible aftermarket rack to become available.
     
    #1 GreatLakesDave, Jan 21, 2017
  2. Tom_06

    Tom_06 Active Member

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    Location:
    Newark, Delaware, USA
    Vehicle:
    2017 Prius Prime
    Model:
    Prime Advanced
    I ordered the factory cross bars and the dealer had them mounted when I picked up the car. Drove home with them on and noticed wind noise that seemed perhaps less than the Yakima circular bars that I used on my 2012 Prius for kayaks. I dismounted the bars when I got home so I haven't any more experience with them.

    I am not sure if they really are quieter. I did not drive much more than 50 mph on the way home, I would do 60 to 65 when using the Yakima bars and also had kayak carriers and a kayak on them, so I really didn't have any direct comparison. Also the Prime seems much quieter inside than the 2012 Prius 4, so I don't know if the noise is masked by better sound proofing.

    I do like the factory bars mounting system that includes a locating pin that fits into a hole that is under the door weather stripping. It is a plugged hole found in all Primes (perhaps all Gen 4). The plug is replaced by a grommet for the bars. I dislike how close together the bars are. I think the Yakima mounting distance that is farther apart gives more stability for something like a 12 foot kayak.
     
    #2 Tom_06, Jan 21, 2017
  3. Samprocat

    Samprocat Active Member

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    Prime Plus
    I don't have them i have seen them on my friend car....and aftermarket mentioned roof racks will outperform factory roof racks......That was only option i have not take at the ordering....everything else was

    Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.
    Update i have cross bars....they have screwed my order.....will sell them if anyone is interested.....
     
    #3 Samprocat, Jan 21, 2017
    Last edited: Mar 6, 2017
  4. GreatLakesDave

    GreatLakesDave Junior Member

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    2017 Prius Prime
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    Prime Premium
    Thanks. I'm torn between factory installed racks and Yakima or Thule aftermarket racks. I carry a couple of 17' kayaks and I'm always amazed that my Thule racks create more wind noise than the kayaks themselves do. It's good to know that the factory racksare easily installed/removed though. Hopefully aftermarket racks will also be easy to install & remove.
     
    #4 GreatLakesDave, Jan 21, 2017
  5. sudden

    sudden Junior Member

    Joined:
    Mar 17, 2005
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    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    IV
    The Cargo Cross Bars came with my Prime Advanced. They weren't installed and I decided I didn't want to alter the original look. So, I've decided to sell them
     
    #5 sudden, Jan 21, 2017
    Last edited by a moderator: Jan 21, 2017
  6. Jonazenhebert

    Jonazenhebert Junior Member

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    Mar 5, 2017
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    Location:
    South Deerfield
    Vehicle:
    2017 Prius Prime
    Model:
    Prime Premium
    I have the factory bars on my 2017 Prime Premium. They are pretty noisy on the highway, but I've never had another car with cross bars before, so I don't have anything to compare the noise level to.

    Anyone know what brands of cargo bins are compatible with the factory cross bars?
     
    #6 Jonazenhebert, Mar 5, 2017
  7. Swauger

    Swauger Member

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    Vehicle:
    2017 Prius Prime
    Model:
    Prime Advanced
    We have them on the wife's Prime. They are very loud (above 45) and drive me nuts when we're using her car. BUT she likes the look of them and says it makes it easier to pick the car out in a parking lot so she insists on keeping them on.
     
    #7 Swauger, Mar 6, 2017
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