Buzzillions.com - Thule Fairing - Choose Size Reviews

Good fairing. Had to modify install.

Wed, 02 Apr 2008 00:00:01 GMT

Good fairing. Had to modify install.

John in CO from Denver, CO

Fairing went on great to my Volvo S40, once I reversed the recommended setting of the attachment mechanism. The recommended settings clearly had the outer supports be longer than the inner ones causing the fairing to warp awkwardly when mounted (fairing wanted to be concave). I reversed the directions and had the outer attachments be shorter than the two inner ones making a slight convex shape that fit the car nicely. Not sure if that was just my car (instructions not vehicle specific), or just an inconvenient typo. Now that it is on it works well in reducing wind noise and looks cool to boot. Read more

works well

Wed, 27 Dec 2006 00:00:01 GMT

works well

2 board from Des Moines US

I bought the Thule fairing, and it has done exactly what it said it would -- it completely took away the annoying whine from my roof-top rack. Not sure if it has added anything in terms of fuel efficiency, but I was mostly looking for blissful silence. The one thing that I would say is that it looks like it will install best if you have the standard square Thule bars. I have a less-common style of Thule bars called t-slot aero bars. These bars are rounded-H-shaped, and the racks attach in the channels on top. The problem with that type of bar is that the fairing attachments then render that bar useless for then attaching anything else. The fairing attachment simply sticks up too high. I had to get a separate bar for the fairing and leave the two standard bars for my racks. It works fine that way, it was just a hassle and more unexpected cost. If you have questions about what I mean, just look at page 3 of the instructions, and you will get the idea. Read more

Good Buy--But Expensive

Tue, 27 Oct 2009 00:00:01 GMT

Good Buy--But Expensive

Dave from US

I have a 2010 Mazda 3 with Thule Rapid Area bars. Before the fairing, I got an awful howling sound at speeds greater than 60 mph. I was concerned that I would hate driving my car after dropping several hundred on my rack so I got the fairing.I was skeptical that it would help any, but it totally got rid the howling. Now I can barely (if at all) hear the rack and Im back to quite driving.Cons: Too easy to steal (no anti-theft). Too expensive for what you get (its shiny and nice looking, but plastic!). Although it snaps onto the aero bars fine, I had to modify (cut slits into) the rubber strip that goes in the middle of the bar to accommodate the fairing clips.Overall, Im happy I got the fairing. Read more

Fits good, reduces road noise

Wed, 09 Jul 2008 00:00:01 GMT

Fits good, reduces road noise

ericthebikeman from Minneapolis, MN

The lady at the store thought it would be a good idea to buy this to reduce road noise. I ignored her thinking it would be fine. I was wrong, a loud whistling noise happened if I drove faster than 25MPH. Adding the fairing made the noise disappear.The fairing comes in an easy to assemble kit. Pay attention to the mounting bracket position, the position is different between the middle brackets and the two outer ones. (Page 4 step 7 on the 872)The only annoyance is it shows finger prints anywhere you touched it. Read more

Worthwhile Investment!

Mon, 04 May 2009 00:00:01 GMT

Worthwhile Investment!

fbenedict from Los Angeles, CA

I had a Thule aftermarket roof rack installed after my husband and I bought a new car that did not have a factory rack. I liked the rugged look of the Thule rack but the whisling noise was driving me up the wall and I even considered removing the rack. The fairing eliminates the sound and looks sharp. If you are going to buy a Thule rack, the fairing is a must!!!! However, I am typically mechanically inclined, but this did take me much more than 5 minutes to install. Read more