Piston Slap: Feelin' Cross About Tall Cross Bars!

Hello Sajeev,

I am a family man and typically have a family hauler in the stable — minivan, three-row crossover, and what-have-you. I always get the manufacturer’s trailer hitch and roof rack/crossbars.

So, I like the size of the new Traverse/Enclave, but have you seen the ridiculous crossbars? See photo above.

They must be 8 inches or more off the top of the car. I usually like the look of the roof rack on larger vehicles, but hate the new setup. I know, I could get aftermarket accessories, and probably would. I Googled around for a reason why they are so high off the top of the car but found nothing. My working theory is that by holding a cargo carrier, or other items on the roof high enough, the airflow from the windshield can pass underneath the cargo unobstructed, resulting in a smoother, more perfect, more aerodynamic vehicle-cargo union rather than running into an air-dam of cargo, effectively forcing airflow around the obstruction.

In any event, thought it was an interesting unanswered question and if we will start seeing this as the norm on new vehicles. Maybe it’s just me, but it looks pretty goofy to my eye. It also looks more dramatic in person, if you have seen them riding around.

Sajeev answers:

How did you find that photo? After searching GM’s official websites for the Enclave and Traverse, only the low profile, aerodynamic and subtle roof racks are present.

And that’s how it should be — tiny useless things accessories that make us feel more special than a Impala or LaCrosse owner. We love them CUVs, so we lust for the requisite faux utility to complete the look: in this era of fuel economy wants against the people’s CUV needs, it’s better to keep ’em subtle and as wind cheating as possible.

Oh wait… I found one photo of those bigger, functional bars on Buick’s website. My bad: apparently part is what you’ve seen. And you are likely right about the height of the bigger rack vs. roof slope vs. frontal area (cargo box) being ugly by design to reduce aerodynamic drag.

And if you always get the OEM crossbars, there’s nothing wrong with these: enjoy them on your family road trip, then toss ’em in the garage when they aren’t needed. Looks pretty easy to do just that, provided you have a ladder.

[Image: General Motors]

Send your queries to sajeev@thetruthaboutcars.com. Spare no details and ask for a speedy resolution if you’re in a hurry…but be realistic, and use your make/model specific forums instead of TTAC for more timely advice.