- First Name
- John
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- 2021 Bronco 4dr OBX MIC 2.7 Rear Locker A51 Roast
- Your Bronco Model
- Outer Banks
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Update, 8/24, Wind & MPG results & info at end!
Since I bought my OBX in October 2021, my plan was to put a small roof rack over the rear cap, so that I could remove the front and middle panels and still have a small roof rack. I leave the rear cap on the car, so this works for me.
The Ford Performance/Yakima rack featured in the 2020-2021 concept vehicles I couldn't find, but the TrailRax https://www.trailrax.com/ becameavailable a few weeks ago so I bought one through Bronco Nation for $765. There is a video to install their full-roof rack, and I used the applicable portions from that. I decided to not purchase the side saddles, but I could easily do that if I have the need.
The rack seems very sturdy and well designed with a low profile. I'll know if it makes noise over the next few days of highway driving (update on very minimal wind noise below). I wanted to get something on the roof because I like the tie-offs for awnings at the beach, and because we're driving to Texas late October for a 10 day trip to Bronco Off-Roadeo.
The rack adds 4.3 inches to the Bronco. The OBX was <72" high at the rear roof cap, it is now 76.5 inches, just shy of 6'5" high.
Its a bit industrial looking, but fits well, matches the MIC top finish, and clamps on strongly.
A second pair of hands is a help, when reading directions, fastening dozens of fasteners, and especially when installing the rack on the roof.
The air foil is close to the roof to reduce noise, but it can be removed.
I can have an open top with three panels off, and a roof rack as well! Of course, as soon as I removed the panels to test the process, the rain started to pour . . . So some photos show rain!
The middle panel removes with the rack in place, but its tight. Part of my problem is the gearshade screen. The latches can get caught in it when removing.
As I hoped, the TrailRax seems a perfect place to store the middle roof, if we're out on a trip on the beach. and want it off until it rains!
The clamps use 1/4 inch rubber pads to provide cushioning and cut vibration.
Nice profile. There is a wind deflector that the company says is designed to cut wind noise at highway speed. It does, and there is no change in MPG.
UPDATE, Wind noise & MPG, 8/24/22: before and after install, I took two nearly identical 177 mile round trips on SC state highway 17 to Myrtle Beach. About half the travel is 67mph, my cruising speed on a 60mph highway. The rest 30-50mph beach traffic. Both trips, rack on then rack off, i got an identical 23.2 mpg on my OBX. Aerodynamically, then the TrailRax has NO effect on MPG.
Wind noise, there is absolutely NO whistling or humming or vibrating from the rack. My MIC roof has had persistent background wind rush noise over 60mph since I bought it. The rack has added wind noise, I think it has added general wind noise, if I listen hard with the radio off, so that if it was a 3 before, maybe its a 5 now at 67mph, and maybe yesterday on the interstate at 75mph, a 6.
Height: The topmost part of the rack is about 76.5 inches. Even when I add 33" Tires, I should fit in most parking garages.
I can add the side racks anytime, as a pair on both sides. Adds storage, and strengthens the rack adding weight capacity. The brackets go under the MIC rear shell and bolt it all down. Photo clipped from TrailRax video.
The dimensions of the TrailRax, installed: 36 inches long (front to back) and 48 inches wide (side to side), not including clamps, which are not obtrusive.
Since I bought my OBX in October 2021, my plan was to put a small roof rack over the rear cap, so that I could remove the front and middle panels and still have a small roof rack. I leave the rear cap on the car, so this works for me.
The Ford Performance/Yakima rack featured in the 2020-2021 concept vehicles I couldn't find, but the TrailRax https://www.trailrax.com/ becameavailable a few weeks ago so I bought one through Bronco Nation for $765. There is a video to install their full-roof rack, and I used the applicable portions from that. I decided to not purchase the side saddles, but I could easily do that if I have the need.
The rack seems very sturdy and well designed with a low profile. I'll know if it makes noise over the next few days of highway driving (update on very minimal wind noise below). I wanted to get something on the roof because I like the tie-offs for awnings at the beach, and because we're driving to Texas late October for a 10 day trip to Bronco Off-Roadeo.
The rack adds 4.3 inches to the Bronco. The OBX was <72" high at the rear roof cap, it is now 76.5 inches, just shy of 6'5" high.
Its a bit industrial looking, but fits well, matches the MIC top finish, and clamps on strongly.
A second pair of hands is a help, when reading directions, fastening dozens of fasteners, and especially when installing the rack on the roof.
The air foil is close to the roof to reduce noise, but it can be removed.
I can have an open top with three panels off, and a roof rack as well! Of course, as soon as I removed the panels to test the process, the rain started to pour . . . So some photos show rain!
The middle panel removes with the rack in place, but its tight. Part of my problem is the gearshade screen. The latches can get caught in it when removing.
As I hoped, the TrailRax seems a perfect place to store the middle roof, if we're out on a trip on the beach. and want it off until it rains!
The clamps use 1/4 inch rubber pads to provide cushioning and cut vibration.
Nice profile. There is a wind deflector that the company says is designed to cut wind noise at highway speed. It does, and there is no change in MPG.
UPDATE, Wind noise & MPG, 8/24/22: before and after install, I took two nearly identical 177 mile round trips on SC state highway 17 to Myrtle Beach. About half the travel is 67mph, my cruising speed on a 60mph highway. The rest 30-50mph beach traffic. Both trips, rack on then rack off, i got an identical 23.2 mpg on my OBX. Aerodynamically, then the TrailRax has NO effect on MPG.
Wind noise, there is absolutely NO whistling or humming or vibrating from the rack. My MIC roof has had persistent background wind rush noise over 60mph since I bought it. The rack has added wind noise, I think it has added general wind noise, if I listen hard with the radio off, so that if it was a 3 before, maybe its a 5 now at 67mph, and maybe yesterday on the interstate at 75mph, a 6.
Height: The topmost part of the rack is about 76.5 inches. Even when I add 33" Tires, I should fit in most parking garages.
I can add the side racks anytime, as a pair on both sides. Adds storage, and strengthens the rack adding weight capacity. The brackets go under the MIC rear shell and bolt it all down. Photo clipped from TrailRax video.
The dimensions of the TrailRax, installed: 36 inches long (front to back) and 48 inches wide (side to side), not including clamps, which are not obtrusive.
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