LexusVet

Anyone have the crossbars installed on their roof racks, Do they make a lot of extra wind noise when driving? Did you purchase them from the dealer and around how much are they.

Thanks

integlikew

Most of the RX's here in Cali already had them installed at the dealer. A good way for them to make more money I guess. So yes I have them, but don't think I'll ever use them. I don't notice any noise. I think there is already complaints of road noise already on the forums even without the bars.

kooser

A bit of discussion already on this along with valuable comparison and opinions on non OEM cross bars.
Use "search" for the several threads within the RX third generation forum.

OC-ISF

I have the cross bars and don't notice any additional wind noise. My RX came with the cross bars installed.

integlikew

Yup its a get more money out of Cali thing.

4482

The very first thing I did to my 2005 RX was to have the dealer remove the crossbars before I drove the car off the lot. I was glad the 2010 did not include them. I found there were not too many advantages to having them, if any.

integlikew

Only if your the one to put bikes, snowboards, or other outdoor sports equipment up there.

tazdevl

What kooser said. You'll find out plenty of info about OEM and aftermarket.

DaRacerz

No, they don't make a lot of noise. A matter of fact, you really can't hear them as long as the spread between the cross bars is far enough. If you put them too close, you will here noise from the turbulence. I'd say about 20" spread between the bars is enough.

The only time when you really get to hear additional noise from the bars/rack is when there is a crosswind present.

tazdevl

Don't agree. Highway speeds there's a fair amount of turbulence, spread or close together.

ChitChat

Does anyone think the crossbars make the vehicle look nicer or not? They came equipped with my vehicle and I know I'll never use them. I'm debating if I should have the dealer remove them at my 1,000 mile check-up. Just wondering if people think it makes the car look sportier or does it look too busy up there (if and when people are at a high enough level to even notice them).

ziggy1

I guess I may be in a minority, but I find the roof rack useless without the crossbars. I don't want anything I put on the roof to sit on the car surface and possibly scratch or damage it. The cross bars provide elevation so this shouldn't happen. I would use the cross bars to support cayak/canoe or if needed, extra luggage.

ChitChat, I guess I'm neutral on their appearance, but I certainly don't find them offensive

kitlz

ChitChat, I'd say the crossbars are hard to see from the ground. I don't have them on mine and will be keeping it that way. If anything, it came in handy with all the snow we had around here. I could push it right off easily. Washing is a breeze too. As far as looks, the roof rails are still there and gives it the 'SUV with roof rack' appearance. Mind blend in with the tungsten pearl so maybe it's not as dramatic.

integlikew

I agree with this.

I think maybe some people think the crossbars option or cost is the whole roof rack.

MEP7557

I took the whole thing off right away. No rails , no cross bars. I think it looks a lot better without, less SUV. Like kitlz said easier to wash. Take a look at 'my garage' pictures if you want to see what it looks like without. And of course, no noise.