Best roof racks for long travel?

Looking to get a roof rack that is functional but has little to no wind noise, as its driven on the highway almost exclusively.

Any recommendations?

 

Might want to revise to say "highway travel". Long travel has a different meaning to most people here

 

What do you have on the roof now? Just the factory side rails? What will you be using the rack for?

If you’re staying on roads, why not just put on some Thule crossbars and attach whatever you need to those based on your activity (bike rack, cargo box, ski rack, etc.)? I’ve done a variation of that on three different daily driver cars over the past 15 years,countless multi state road trips, and I’ve never once had an issue with wind noise from the roof at any speed.

 

What do you prefer modularity, or fixed control? Ability to add onto it with pre made accessories, or are you handy and can make your own? How do you plan on using the rack ?

 

I’d figure out what you’re wanting to carry before what you’re going to carry it on.

 

Tortilla chip before chorizo!

 

I put a Yakima Lock 'n Load platform on mine. Very handy and not much noise. I used the Timberline feet, not mounted to the cross bars. Very happy, and no big install fees or removal of the factory rails.

 

Regardless of rack design, the second you put stuff up there wind noise will increase.

If wind noise is the main factor and its highway only, why not get a hitch mounted basket and a waterproof bag? Harbor freight sells the hitch baskets for like 40 bucks.

 

I'm using a Sherpa rack. Check them out. Great quality and the mounting system is what pretty much sold me.

 

Get a Thule or Yakima rack with aero bars. It will be rock solid and quiet. Sometimes you can find used ones on Craigslist. I'm using a regular Thule rack with rectangular bars because I already had it but I'm still tempted to upgrade to one with aero bars.