When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
Looking for recommendations for crossbars for the roof rack. I'd like ones that do not whistle, and are aerodynamic enough that I won't notice a difference in fuel consumption if I eave them on. I don't need any fancy attachments as I am usually strapping something (lumber, a canoe, a folding table, etc) to it.
Right now I'm leaning toward these Omac crossbars. They're inexpensive, streamlined and low profile. (Will they be high enough to protect the shark fin antenna?)
I just cut a pair of "slats" from 2x4 and taped the contact points to protect the Roof rail finish, I marked them F & R as they are slightly different widths. I lay them across the rails where needed depending on the item I'm carrying. I have hauled MANY different things, lumber, furniture, roll goods, large boxed items, etc. I secure the load with a ratchet strap(s) through the door opening(s), on longer runs I use a tape or fabric piece to protect the finish in the door opening from "polishing". They go on and off in seconds and fit inside the cabin before and after use going to / from the task. They have never failed me. Laying them flat clears the shark fin antenna and they have been Completely adaptable for every use, so far....
I bought these...they look nice, work nice....but whistle like a **** so far. Gonna try moving the front one back further and see if that helps. So at the moment can't say they don't whistle!
If the slots are open, that's why they whistle. Tape them over.
I bought a pair of these from Omac. I haven't used them yet, but they're definitely worth the money. My only complaint is that the rubber padding for the clamps might fall off when they're not mounted.
2x4s on a Benz? I hope they're a good grade of hardwood...
I was able to find OEM crossbars online for $200 (pair). They don't whistle at all. They've been on for over two months. I just used an OEM Mercedes Box this past weekend as well. Works like a charm.
Originally Posted by John CC
Looking for recommendations for crossbars for the roof rack. I'd like ones that do not whistle, and are aerodynamic enough that I won't notice a difference in fuel consumption if I eave them on. I don't need any fancy attachments as I am usually strapping something (lumber, a canoe, a folding table, etc) to it.
Right now I'm leaning toward these Omac crossbars. They're inexpensive, streamlined and low profile. (Will they be high enough to protect the shark fin antenna?)
I have the Omac ones from the link in the first post, and for under $100, I'm very happy with them. Quiet at speed, sturdy but light aluminum construction. I've got a cargo box being delivered and can't wait to make our next road trip with the Bluetec trucklet. So far I've only used them to transport our 13' tandem Pelican kayak to/from our local lake, but it's done an excellent job.
And btw, Omac shipping was great, I got the roof cross bars in less than a week. It took a bit of finagling to get them on right, but once they're on, you're done. I haven't run through a "soft touch" car wash with them yet but I'll report back if anything is amiss.
Last edited by andreigbs; Jul 21, 2022 at 02:56 PM.
I've used them to transport a 24' extension ladder and a canoe. The rack performed as expected both times. The ladder is just a series of open tubes and whistles like a banshee. I made my own adapters for the canoe and tied them both down with ratchet straps. Definitely worth the money, IMHO.
Mine are different from the ones above, though. My rails are raised, not flush.
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Slideshow: A one-of-one U.S.-spec Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster became even rarer after a factory-backed transformation at McLaren's headquarters.
