Lots of ARB Rack Questions

[dlister]

Ok. I have done my research an have decided on an ARB rack. Now I just can't decide which one. I am debating between the half rack, full rack (bars or mesh) and even the touring rack.

I snowboard in the winter and bike in the summer so I would love input as to these types of attachments in the basket. Would I want the bars to connect up Yakima or Thule attachments? Is this even possible with the mesh? What would I need to accomplish this?

Is the half rack substantially quieter? How much does the fairing deaden the noise. I do a lot of freeway driving. I am not thinking lights as I would be concerned that would increase noise dramatically.

I am also considering the touring rack as I am intrigued by the roof top tent option. Has anyone tried this out yet? How easy is it to take on and off the rack? How bad is noise? I can't find any pics of the rack without the tent on an FJ. How does it look? How big is the tent inside? I am curious if it could sleep my wife and I with room to spare (I have 3 little boys under 4 yrs old).

I am also thinking the touring rack would make it easier to load and unload bikes and my Thule cargo box.

I would love any pictures of the different racks (especially the mesh and touring).

Thanks,
D

[wenzor]

I have the same questions as the poster above on the ARB rack.

[blackseabk]

Why don't you get the full rack fitting kit first, then go from there that way you could still put your half rack or if you decide later that you wan't to get a roof rack tent your foundation is already there.

[Sand Rat]

I've got the full size ARB roof rack and it drags you down quite a bit. I'm looking into getting the air dam as well, but I'm not sure it's worth the $90.

As for noise, there's plenty of that. Around 40mph, it starts to get pretty loud. Probably because of some sort of harmonics taking place within the rack, it quiets down around 55-70mph. Beyond 65 or 70 mph it becomes really loud and my auto-tranny starts to shift between gears attempting to overcome the resistance of the rack. It's tough. For me, it doesn't matter. My FJ is used more for expedition purposes, so I need the storage.

Once again, probably because of the harmonics of the rack, a loaded rack (tent, heavy gear, fuel and water jerry cans, hi-lift and spare-spare) it's a much more quiet ride. The downshifting stops as well.

btw---I have the mesh bottom for sleeping on top of the vehicle, so the mesh may cause added resistance.

[Racer001]

I have the half rack. Its a pretty rugged piece, but the wind noise is pretty noticeable at highway speeds. Not to say I haven't learned to ignore it though lol

[Sand Rat]

bump----anyone have any experience with the ARB deflector making any difference?

[dlister]

Nobody seems to have any input on this thread. I would really appreciate any comments. Thanks in advance.

[timbo2]

golfing4lf previously said:

Did you notice a def. decrease in MPG when you installed the ARB rack?

speedy previously said:

I have the windscreen. It does muffle the sound and it does help a bit on MPG but not much. If you are going for the MPG then I say the slight help in MPG is not worth the cost. If you are more interested in muffling the sound then go for it. It won't eliminate all of it but it will help.

BTW- I took mine off because I am going to mount some lights so if you are interested then I would let it go for $60-$70 + shipping.

Cheers,

timbo2 previously said:

Just installed it this weekend, so no not yet. But it sure does have alot of drag/wind noise and is very heavy, so I'm expecting a loss in mpg. Tim



Well if you can't mount lights, I guess it's a moot point as I too am mounting lights-rats, I was hoping it would work with rack lights. Thanks for your response though! Tim

timbo2 previously said:

Anyone using the optional windsreen for the ARB roof rack? Was wondering if it cuts wind noise and or improves mpg. Thanks, Tim

Hope this helps, Tim

[dlister]

Thanks.