SLO project #2 - Developing a front deflector (noise reducer) for OEM Overtrail / OT Plus Roof Rack - Update: aesthetic solution discovered! (5 Viewers)

Emergencymed · 2026-07-12T19:27:15-0500

Just installed an OEM roof OT plus rack that I purchased from another OT plus owner on the forum.

Install was under 30 min, fun and easy to do.

And it looks amazing… now here’s the pointy end of the stick - everyone whose owned this roof rack complains about a noise issue at hwy speeds.

On a separate thread, I asked about Solutions and people posted wrapping the front bar with paracord.., and others basically threw their hands up, and said “I’m done.. just replacing it

…..”

My feeling is there may be a way to salvage this $1500 garage ornament, and instead elevate it to something that is both aesthetic and functional..

I’m speaking of developing a deflector that mounts to the 6inch wide front Bar and directs flow over the top of the roof rack.

Parts arriving in a couple weeks and will circle back with what comes together.

OCGX550 · 2026-07-12T20:02:44-0500

Interested to see what you come up with. My roof rack will stay a garage ornament for now

Emergencymed · 2026-07-12T20:34:23-0500

I’m very hopeful this will go well and be able to produce and make available for under $100 -

..

munkeeboi · 2026-07-12T21:36:30-0500

To most efficiently reduce any noise, you'd have to cover the entire slot from the roof to the leading edge of the rack. The problem I see is that the leading edge is directly over the moonroof.

Emergencymed · 2026-07-12T23:24:14-0500

Many deflector products out there that rest on the moonroof. It’s not so much of an issue as long as there are rubber feet between the deflector and the glass.

The bigger challenge is nobody makes one with attachment straps, or mounting hardware that will accommodate the 6 inch front bar. Also an aluminum product would not do well because of the curve of the front bar.

It would have to be either designed out of UV resistant plastic that could form around the curve or with that bend as part of its shape.

Emergencymed · 2026-07-13T09:37:27-0500

So last night I came up with the idea of “Noise Abatement Clips” - essentially a more aesthetic clip on version of the paracord solution.

Then while doing another online search, I discovered that someone already developed this solution.

Someone on the GX 550 Facebook forum 3D printed these clips that he beta tested on his rig.

I’ve reached out requesting a copy of his printing file which I will share with 1sjshrk to print some prototypes .. and then we are off to the races. A shout out to Joe Sheldon from the Facebook forum.

And at no cost / low cost if someone has access to a 3D printer ..

Emergencymed · 2026-07-13T10:54:59-0500

No luck hunting down Joe Sheldon who made these clips and has a printable file - I guess he lives in North Carolina. If anyone does know Joe, please ask him to DM me on the forum.

YellowLab · 2026-07-13T12:11:10-0500

Emergencymed said:
No luck hunting down Joe Sheldon who made these clips and has a printable file - I guess he lives in North Carolina. If anyone does know Joe, please ask him to DM me on the forum.

I found filling in the gaps on each side of the front windshield went a very long way to reduce the wind noise too.

Looking forward to seeing the ‘SLO-flector’ in action!