Thule roof rack in lux flush rails (1 Viewer)

Have you considered trying the oem crossbars? They’re 20% off right now direct from Lexus.


I’m not sure how oem compares to aftermarket like Thule etc. but I’d rather go oem than a random crossbar from eBay etc. my 2c
The flush rails are just cosmetic right? I don't see grooves for anchors. Seems like one has to remove sections and screw into the roof right?
 
Have you considered trying the oem crossbars? They’re 20% off right now direct from Lexus.


I’m not sure how oem compares to aftermarket like Thule etc. but I’d rather go oem than a random crossbar from eBay etc. my 2c

100%. The eBay solution was just a placeholder until I could get a system from Thule or Yakima. I don’t love the crossbars from Lexus because supposedly they are very noisy. I don’t have a box on my roof often so I don’t want to sacrifice my creature comforts for the one off I use the box. Same reason I don’t want a big roof rack. But a tested aerodynamic crossbar with minimum noise - then I’m in.
 
The flush rails are just cosmetic right? I don't see grooves for anchors. Seems like one has to remove sections and screw into the roof right?
I don’t have the car yet (deposit placed… now waiting), but from my experience with other cars with flush rails, you can definitely buy crossbars for them. They're designed differently since they’ll have posts to elevate it etc.
 
100%. The eBay solution was just a placeholder until I could get a system from Thule or Yakima. I don’t love the crossbars from Lexus because supposedly they are very noisy. I don’t have a box on my roof often so I don’t want to sacrifice my creature comforts for the one off I use the box. Same reason I don’t want a big roof rack. But a tested aerodynamic crossbar with minimum noise - then I’m in.
Fair point. I’m in the same situation. I will only use the box several times a year when doing road trips etc. so I want to invest in a solid solution as well.
 
I don’t have the car yet (deposit placed… now waiting), but from my experience with other cars with flush rails, you can definitely buy crossbars for them. They're designed differently since they’ll have posts to elevate it etc.
I have a luxury and can confirm the stock rails are plastic covers. My gx came with the factory rack which was so loud I took it off. In that process I realized the rack bolts into the predetermined mounting points under the covers that can pop off. I love the way the lexus rack looks though, I want to try and find a wind deflector to use with it to reduce the wind noise.
 
I have a luxury and can confirm the stock rails are plastic covers. My gx came with the factory rack which was so loud I took it off. In that process I realized the rack bolts into the predetermined mounting points under the covers that can pop off. I love the way the lexus rack looks though, I want to try and find a wind deflector to use with it to reduce the wind noise.
I do too and hope we can find a solution to the noise! It is super convenient on how easy it installs and removes...
 
I have a luxury and can confirm the stock rails are plastic covers. My gx came with the factory rack which was so loud I took it off. In that process I realized the rack bolts into the predetermined mounting points under the covers that can pop off. I love the way the lexus rack looks though, I want to try and find a wind deflector to use with it to reduce the wind noise.
Is it super noticeable with the wind noise? I never heard it but just going by what a lot of people say I don’t want to waste 300$
 
Is it super noticeable with the wind noise? I never heard it but just going by what a lot of people say I don’t want to waste 300$
Yes it is. Measuring the sound from my watch it said I was hitting 70db at 75mph. When I took it off I would hit 65db at 75mph. I’ll be honest I’m probably going to put it back on but I’m going to measure and try to find a wind deflector.
 
Yes it is. Measuring the sound from my watch it said I was hitting 70db at 75mph. When I took it off I would hit 65db at 75mph. I’ll be honest I’m probably going to put it back on but I’m going to measure and try to find a wind deflector.
You are right. I punched that into ChatGPT. Does sound pretty loud with and without. I’m going to try the without measurement with my watch later at as well interested.




  • 70 dB vs 65 dB = a 5 dB difference.
  • A 5 dB increase corresponds to about 3.16× more sound intensity (power).
  • In terms of how it feels to our ears (perceived loudness), it’s usually about 1.5× louder — since people typically perceive a doubling of loudness around every 10 dB increase.
 
What do y'all think of this? Worth replacing the flush rails?

 
You are right. I punched that into ChatGPT. Does sound pretty loud with and without. I’m going to try the without measurement with my watch later at as well interested.




  • 70 dB vs 65 dB = a 5 dB difference.
  • A 5 dB increase corresponds to about 3.16× more sound intensity (power).
  • In terms of how it feels to our ears (perceived loudness), it’s usually about 1.5× louder — since people typically perceive a doubling of loudness around every 10 dB increase.
Some one needs to install rhino rack vortex rubber strip and test, I've added them and they seem to help but have not measured the difference in terms of dB.
 
Some one needs to install rhino rack vortex rubber strip and test, I've added them and they seem to help but have not measured the difference in terms of dB.
Can you show what your setup looks like? Did you replace the existing rubber strips for the rhino ones?
 
I didn't replace the rubber strips, I just pushed down the existing rubber strips and pushed in the vortex strips.

I'll snap a picture tonight, but it'll look like any generic picture of vortex strips installed.
 
I didn't replace the rubber strips, I just pushed down the existing rubber strips and pushed in the vortex strips.

I'll snap a picture tonight, but it'll look like any generic picture of vortex strips installed.
sounds good, maybe explain how many you needed to buy - suggestions. Also, did you hear a noticeable difference?
 

I bought this 8 pack, I have a few left over after installing and trimming. I used 5 full strips.

I noticed a difference but didn't use a dB meter so cannot be sure, could just me thinking my purchase made it better.
 

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I bought this 8 pack, I have a few left over after installing and trimming. I used 5 full strips.

I noticed a difference but didn't use a dB meter so cannot be sure, could just me thinking my purchase made it better.
Thanks! I wonder if it is the same width as the ones for the OEM roof rack. I already have the paracord, need more solutions lol
 
What do y'all think of this? Worth replacing the flush rails?

Has Anyone else done this? I kind of like this idea just for the fact that so many more boxes will work with rails that you can “clamp” on.
 
Has Anyone else done this? I kind of like this idea just for the fact that so many more boxes will work with rails that you can “clamp” on.
It seems like people are selling these all the time off their OT's or LandCruisers. I wouldn't suggest ordering from AUS unless you have to. Nothing against the country, just too much $ for shipping. Recommend checking the LC Forum for posts like this. There are quite a few of them.
 

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