Rivian Cross Bars vs Aftermarket

[Gravy Donkey]

Anyone have experience with the Rivian cross bars vs after-market versions?

When I was looking at going with a Defender 90, the sales guy straight up told me not to get the Land Rover cross bars because there was too much wind noise.

Any thoughts from R1 owners on after-market cross bars vs. the Rivian bars?

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[Blitzjb]

Anything attached to the roof will cause wind noise....

 

[Nixapatfan]

But the aftermarket ones don't have little wings that make it look like a spoiler so you can drive around with them on all the time.

 

[UnsungZero_OldTimeAdMan]

If you are talking about the generic ones on eBay or Amazon sold under various obscure brand names or none at all… that alone should be a big flashing warn sign for anyone with a trace of common sense: will any of them be around to address problems once they have your $? They also don’t list dynamic weight limitations (because no testing has been done). That’s also another big flashing warning. Nearly all of these are made in China. We know Rivians are not sold there. These bars are most likely "designed" only to dimensions of Rivian's proprietary mount. And all they can deduce from that is whether theirs will or will not mount. And no way of deducing or testing how well their bars can carry loads while in motion.

If you mean name brands like Thule or Yakima (who supply Rivian), then at least you know they’ll be around to address claims, have an actual US address, subject to US consumer protection laws, or could be sued for damages.

If I am being too blunt, that’s because a sibling lost her life to someone else’s rooftop cargo. This matter is more than about saving yourself a few bucks. CYA. Also common sense.

 

[Gravy Donkey]

Everyone understands roof racks will add noise - some appear to be better than others from my experience with Land Rover.

And yes, I was referring to a quality roof rack like Thule or Yakima.
Not looking to save money on some budget items, looking for the best product and apparently it's not always OEM.

Since we are getting to the point of ordering, I figured I'd ask the question.

To be more clear - price not being an issue, are there any R1 owners that have noticed either Yakima or Thule racks are superior for function or performance compared to the Rivian roof racks.

 

[slillie]

No noise or degradation of performance with my Rivian crossbars.

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