AeroGrip™ Instructions
FAQs
Yes, placement is critical! The primary use of Aerogrip strips is to reduce or eliminate the whistle or howl caused by airflow over smooth surfaces. As such, forward placement on the crossbar is highly recommended. Often times, these unpleasant noises start near the front of the crossbars, so placement as close as possible to the (front) leading edge of each bar is recommended.
It is recommended to use Aerogrips on both crossbars for the best results. All of the high-end crossbars that come with grooved aerodynamic ridges similar to Aerogrips, from both premium brands and car dealerships have this feature on both crossbars. We sell single and double packs so you can buy the amount that best meets your needs for applying to both crossbars.
No, excess wind buffeting is primarily reduced by using a wind faring, which can be used in addition to Aerogrips. Each tool has a different purpose and are intended to be used in conjunction, not as a replacement for one another. The primary use for Aerogrips is to reduce or eliminate the high pitched whistle caused by fast moving air flowing over smooth surfaces at higher speeds, and to add a softer and grippier surface to your crossbars.
- Smooth airflow over surfaces at higher speeds. This is ones of the main causes of the annoying whistle or howl many people experience after adding crossbars and roof racks to their vehicle. The specially angled, grooved surface of Aerogrips breaks this smooth airflow up and greatly reduces or totally eliminates this type of whistle.
- Air leaking into surface areas or components of the crossbars. Similar to blowing over an open bottle, airflow leaking into the crossbars can also cause a whistle or howl.
- Crossbars that are improperly installed, damaged, defective or missing pieces can cause excessive whistling and howling noises.
This is not recommended.
While the 3M VHB adhesive we use is extremely strong, special rubber adhesion enhancers should be used when adhering to rubber. For the best long term adhesion and results, we recommend adhering to properly prepared crossbar surfaces and not rubber.
Much of the howling or whistling noises crossbars make from air flowing over smooth surfaces starts in front of these inlaid rubber strips anyway. The best results generally come from more forward placement, in front of these inlaid strips, as close to the front of the bar as possible.
No, this is not recommended.
Many high-end, costly crossbar systems come with grooved strips that are inlaid within the crossbar.
Aerogrips are designed to be adhered to crossbars that either have or do not have inlaid rubber strips. The design and engineering of Aerogrips is intended for adhesion and the height and width is not correct for being inlaid. If the Aerogrip is inlaid within the crossbar, it is likely to sit too low, not seal on the sides and exacerbate whistle, not diminish it.
For best results, adhere Aerogrips to the crossbar surface as far forward as possible, toward the front of each bar.
If you have added Aerogrips to your roof system and the whistle or howl is still there, or even louder, here are the main reasons why:
- Improper placement of the Aerogrip strips. Aerogrips should never be inlaid or placed on the existing rubber strips. They should be adhered to the crossbars as far forward as possible.
- Air leaking into openings or gaps: similar to blowing over an open bottle, air rushing over any openings can also cause a whistle. The most common cause of the whistling or howling noises from crossbars is usually from air rushing over smooth surfaces. If the Aerogrips on the (front) leading edges of each crossbar does not rectify this, then air is getting into an opening somewhere on the crossbar(s). Common reasons for this are:
- Missing screw or bolt covers
- Air leaking between the crossbars and included inlaid strips. (Covering these gaps with duct tape or similar is know to help this.
- Missing end caps or pieces protruding from the crossbars that should not.
- Improperly installed bars (such as reversed forwards and backwards)or (facing the wrong direction).
- Damaged or defective crossbars from the factory
Yes,
3M VHB is the strongest adhesive made. It is recommended to stick with VHB over other types of molding tape. Rolls of 3M VHB that are the same width as what was included originally on your Aerogrip strips should be pretty easy to find online.
Installation
Surface Preparation
Prior to installing your NXTGEN AeroGrip(s)™, it is important to prepare your crossbars by throughly cleaning and drying them. It is recommended to use either 70% or 91% isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol, which will remove all contaminates and residues. This surface preparation will promote the best possible adhesion between the 3M VHB™ adhesive and your crossbars. You may choose to leave your crossbars on the vehicle or remove them based on your own preferences and weather conditions.
3M VHB™(very heavy bond) is a premium, high performance adhesive intended to create a lifelong bond to properly prepared metal, glass and plastic surfaces and is designed to commercially replace nuts and bolts. While VHB™ can stick to rubber, a special adhesive promotor is required for proper bonding. Therefore, it is advised to adhere AeroGrips™ to glass, metal or plastic products only. For best results, it is recommended to install AeroGrips™ at a minimum ambient temperature range between 65 and 95 degrees Fahrenheit. If the ambient temperature is below this range, it is recommended to warm your crossbars with a hair dryer prior to installation. If installing in a warm environment, you may skip this step.
Test Fitting
Before installation it is recommended to determine your desired placement and test fit the AeroGrip™ strip(s) before adhering.
NXTGEN AeroGrips™ are a universal product, which can be cut to size and placed as needed to best fit your specific crossbars and crossbar accessories.
Please Note: For best results, AeroGrip™ strips should be placed on the forward facing or center portions of the crossbar and not the rear.
Installing
Now that the surface has been prepared and you have test fit the AeroGrip™ strips, it is time for installation. Remove a few inches of the adhesive backing and carefully place the endpoint as desired, then press it in place. Hold the endpoint and then peel small portions of adhesive back at a time and work in small, 3-5 inch portions at a time. Please Note: It is advised to not stretch the strips while adhering, as the extra tension can lessen the adhesives bond.
In order to size the AeroGrip™ strips as needed for your project, simply cut with a scissors. You can slightly stretch the strip if needed to get a clean cut.
Setting The Adhesive
A critical step in the installation process is to set the adhesive between the AeroGrip™ and crossbar. In order to achieve this, simply heat each strip for a few minutes. We recommend using a hair dryer in order to heat the adhesive and rubber without it getting too hot from a heat gun. Be sure to evenly heat the areas, as the heat is highly important to setting the adhesive. Massage the strips down after heating and be careful of warm surfaces.
Securing The Ends
In order to ensure long term adhesion and durability, it is recommended to secure the endpoints, which can be prone to lifting in some circumstances. On some crossbar models, this can simply be achieved by tucking AeroGrip™ strips under the plastic end-caps.
On crossbars where AeroGrip™ strips cannot fit under the crossbar end-caps, it is recommend to secure the endpoints with a small dab of adhesive. This is achieved by Placing the adhesive between the rubber strip and the 3M VHB™ (not on the actual crossbar) to prevent the rubber from lifting or rolling off of the 3M at the end points. Peel about 1/2 an inch of 3M VHB™ from the rubber strip and apply a dab of adhesive. Allow to cure and complete the installation.
AeroGrip™ Removal
Need to remove your AeroGrip™ Strips? Removal is quick and easy, simply heat the strip and start by peeling an endpoint. Use caution as the components may be hot to the touch. A plastic putty knife or trim tool may be used to aid in peeling the strips. Once removed, Goo Gone®, rubbing alcohol or similar can be used to remove any remaining adhesive residue.