Suggest best bike rack and roof fairing width for 2009 toyota highlander?

[grinn253]

Hi all!

Great site, the videos ROCK!

So I have a 09 Toyota Highlander. I've been going back & forth regarding choosing either the Factory Crossbars or Yakima/Thule. At first I was totally just going to go aftermarket, as I've read on the Toyota forums that the factory crossbars may be susceptible to 'porpoisng' when carrying even light loads -- but this view was not entirely consistent.

Now I'm totally thinking of just getting the Toyota bars. I like the 'clean' look...but am thinking Thule (Rapid Aero?) & Yakima (Lowrider?) may also have a clean look when attaching to the included factory side raised rails? This clean look seems to get even better with the advent of the Yakima Fork Lift!

Question:
Is it known whether a Thule or Yakima fairing is compatible with the Toyota Crossbars? Assuming yes, I have done the Yakima/Thule Fit Calculators, and they each recommend on the 09 Highlander a Medium 38" Fairing.

Performing some measurements:

Width between factory rails = ~ 42 inches
Width to outside edge of factory cross bars = ~ 44 inches
Width of moon roof = ~ 38 inches

So it would seem to me, the large size 44" Fairing in either Thule or Yakima would provide 'better' aero and wind deflection than the suggested medium 38" fairing.

What would the forum here suggest? Is there a reason I should not get the 44" large, besides that not being the recommended size? (Maybe the fit calculators are slightly off?)

Thanks!
Edgardo

edit:
As I was writing this post, I have now re-decided to go with aftermarket crossbars, based on this picture: http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k3...a-thule-02.jpg

It seems the Rapid Aero on the Honda (which has similar appearance to the Highlander) looks okay.

Extra question:
I'm assuming the Yakima Forklift will work fine on Thule Rapid Aero bars, correct?

Super Bonus question:

Of the Fork mounted bicycle carriers, which has the lowest profile when unloaded?
Here is what I have narrowed it down to:

1) Thule Echelon:
It seems Thule Echelon needs the Xadapt Kit9 to mount the Echelon on their crossbars. The Xadapt Kit, would seem to me to raise the Echelon rack.

2) Yakima Forklift
Without any kits needed, this forklift I would think just fits onto the Rapid Aero bars.

3) Yakima Boa
I like this item, as it is pretty small, but the specs indicate it only fits round or square crossbars, which I believe are not what the Rapid aero bars are shaped as.

So based on above, I believe Yakima forklift on the Thule Rapid Aero bars, would be the good combination. I do wonder if the stack height difference between the Echelon/Xadapt Kit9 Vs. Yakima Forklift is negligible however?

Goodnight!
Edgardo

[jacques bites]

An excellent option is to just go with the factory rack crossbars option. You will have a very sleek, low profile and integrated look. You won't be able to use Thule or Yakima fairings on the factory bars. However the Inno Racks roof faring is excellent and compatible with factory crossbars. Go with the the 39" medium size. It will fit the 2009 Highlander perfectly.

Inno factory rack fairings
http://www.orsracksdirect.com/inno-rack-fairings-ina260-ina261-ina262.html

Then for sure go with the Yakima Fork Lift factory rack compatible bike rack. Very low profile too. Just an awesome bike rack period!

Yakima ForkLift bike rack for factory racks
http://www.orsracksdirect.com/yakima-forklift-bike-rack.html