Slow Paddler
SILVER Star
Sorry for the late reply. We've been without power for a couple of days. Thanks to the 640AH of lithium batteries in our trailer, we didn't lose too much food.Hows the wind noise? Contemplating either just the rails, or the entire 3/4 rack. What made you go with just the rails?
My LC is stock externally with OEM tires, and prior to adding the LFD rails, I had the OEM rails all the way to the rear. So, yes, there is an increase in noise. At 70 MPH into a headwind, it was fairly noticeable, and there was a slight thrumming that I could feel when I put my hand on the sunroof. I had this before on a Subaru with the Yakima Load Warrior, and moving it back a bit solved the issue. I'll try that with the LFD rails. I also did not add any foam gasket on the bottom of the fairing. Doing so would probably help, too. At 55 MPH, the thrumming was gone, and I really couldn't tell whether either was louder or not. So yes, it is louder than stock. But not by a huge amount.
I had a full Prinsu rack on my 4Runner, with various stuff bolted on. It was great for that, but I live on Ohio, and off-road opportunities are few and far between, so I didn't need a full rack. And I like the stock appearance. Truth be told, I didn't *need* the LFD rails, either, but they should make mounting the Malone SeaWing kayak racks easier and more solid than with the OEM rails. I removed the SeaWing clamp and bolt, and drilled holes for two 8mm flanged button head bolts in each, so that they were inline with the rail slots.
I initially was going to go with 80/20 rails like some members here have done, but this was the easier route, and a more solid rail. Note that with two off the rails pushed as far forward and back as possible, and the middle two evenly spaced, the system does not result in a flat platform. With a 6' level setting on the middle two rails, there is about 1/4" gap at the front rail and about 3/8" gap at the rear.
Front:
Rear"
Hopefully, that answers your questions. If not, let me know!
Steve