I've spent the last few weeks researching roof racks and talking with each manufacturer as I have a few specific requirements:
- Low profile, I have a low garage height and I want to be able to park in my garage with the roof rack AND ski rack mounted to it
- Low MPG impact, closely related to front wind shield style and low profile
- Low wind noise, closely related to front wind shield style and low profile
- No silicone sealant (in UT we have very hot summers and cold winters, silicone doesn't hold up well long term outdoors).
- Ideally no cutting of existing roof weatherstripping (easily returned to stock)
In reading through numerous forum posts and reddit, the three that came up that would fit this criteria are Sherpa, Westcott, and UpTop. I also spoke with the marketing manager for Rhino and Victory. In no specific order, here is what I gathered:
- Rhino Rack, 4.5" tall at front, 3.75" middle, 3 5/8" at rear. Personally I liked the front deflector style, disliked that it was the most expensive of all listed, brand new, and their feedback was that there would be wind noise and a MPG impact of .5-1mpg. Also was the least responsive customer service of all and most difficult to get answers from. Seals with gasket and NOT silicone. In stock (as of today) and ships within 48 hours.
- Sherpa Atlas, lowest profile of all the choices with only 2 5/8" above roof line in front of shark fin. Numerous posts from others with Sherpa racks spoke of the great build quality and low/non existent noise levels and minimal MPG impact. Extremely responsive customer service, and they told me they rarely get any feedback on MPG impact or noise until the rack is loaded with accessories. Seals with gasket and NOT silicone and NO cutting of weatherstripping. Second most expensive rack as this is their 'top' choice with 1/4" side rails, very beefy. Ships within 1-2 weeks (as of today)
- Victory, 3" above roof line in front of shark fin. Seals with silicone, and wind deflector needs to sit on roof (thus needing PPF underneath it). They told me that there will be noise and it depends on how it's mounted, forum posts and conversations here verify that most are experiencing wind noise and some level of MPG impact. Ships within 1-3 weeks (as of today).
- Uptop, 3 1/4" above shark fin. Engineered deflector that directs wind above and below the rack, it looks unique but I personally like the look of it. Many forum/reddit posts saying there is no wind noise until accessories are mounted. Seals with silicone, and NO cutting of weatherstripping also had extremely responsive customer service, this is the least expensive rack with very little leadtime. Ships within 1-2 days (as of today).
- Westcott, 3" tall just past shark fin dead center, uses silicone to seal. Not many with this rack yet, but some posts indicating it's quiet and built well. They answered the phone and spoke to me, but seemed somewhat busy and most answers were very short. Longest leadtime of 4-6 weeks (as of today).
Hopefully this information helps everyone make their decisions based upon what is important to them.
I would have ordered the Uptop as I like the design, it's affordable and there is near universal good feedback on their other racks. However it was too tall for my use, so I ordered the Sherpa on the black Friday deal (15% off). It's the lowest profile, also has near universal good feedback, great customer service, ships soon, and does not use silicone. I'll post feedback once I receive and mount it.
On the Rhino Rack option, is this info for their new Recon Platform? I'm considering that and the Sherpa.
