Airscreen XT Wind Fairing
Size:
Quantity
Why We Like The AirScreen XT
The Thule Airscreen XT lets us fall even more in love with our roof rack. It helps put an end to the loud whistling we often get on the highway by directing the air up and over our rack systems.
Details
- Wind guard to dampen that annoying whistling from your roof rack
- Tool-free, clip-on attachment lets you equip and remove fast
- Rubber stoppers keep it in place and don't scratch your car
- Item #THUZ3H5
- Compatibility
- WingBar Evo, WingBar Edge, AeroBlade, AeroBlade Edge, SquareBar Evo
- Part Number
- 870200
- Recommended Use
- travel
- Manufacturer Warranty
- limited lifetime
Reviews
Q&A
What do you think about this product?
Overall Rating
3.5 based on 15 ratings
Review Summary
Customer Images
View
Selecting an option will reload the available reviews on the pageFebruary 18, 2025
Over complicated and under engineered & equipped
I bought the Air Screen XT for my 2024 VW Atlas and am very disappointed for reasons I *should have* read about in reviews prior to purchasing. The plastic used for the ratchet straps connecting the screen to the rack are made of a brittle plastic and the ratchet 'buckle' is the same brittle plastic. I'm generously calling it a ratchet buckle which would imply theres a cam to actuate to tighten the strap to the aero bar; there is not. The ratchet mechanism is a fixed angle and prying it back with your thumb (assuming your thumbs have been hitting the gym) is the only way to push the strap through or (god forbid) take it back out, which is nearly impossible without using a tool to push or pry it open. So, by the time you get the strap pushed into the 'buckle', you'll probably have bent it to the point the strap is white from bending it and you'll need a pliers to pull the strap through the buckle to get it anywhere close to tight enough which, you will not. Fix? I cut all three of the straps and replaced them with high quality, outdoor rated, thick zip ties. Buckles with a hinge and spring loaded tension, that actually ratchet, would be the fix here. Yes, it would increase cost but currently, the buckles are nearly unusable. Problem two is that the angle pre-determined by the brackets that mount the screen to the aero cross bar, precludes the fairing to sit flush to the roof. Because there is very little travel to move the middle two brackets closer/further from the rack, the ends bow out and they chatter against the roof with any ram air hitting the fairing over 25/30mph. On the bright side, the chattering subsides around 62/63mph. Older wind fairings had flat metal 'bars' that would allow for adjustability to bow or flatten the fairing which would, in turn, adjust how snug the fairing would fit to the roof. In addition, the metal bars could be bent to increase decrease angle and, again, customize the fit to your roof and keep it pinned down and quiet. I've worked for one of the big names in roof racks and am very aware of how to install and manipulate car racks but the design and materials of the AirScreen XT confound me.
Originally reviewed on thule-us-ca
October 15, 2024
Disappointing
Purchased this more of a look rather than a noise reducer. Upon installation, found that it actually made more wind noise than the Thule rack itself. The strap system is pretty upsetting. There really is no “tightening it”. It’s just a plastic looped ratchet system that you’d find on a bicycle rack to keep the tire in the tray. It doesn’t apply any downward force to keep it planted on top of the roof. Once vehicles starts, it rattles and when getting head wind, it rattles as well. It felt like a joke. I have since placed foam pads underneath the feet to keep the noise down. Along with this, it doesn’t sit flush due to the system having no downward force to keep it planted to the roof of your vehicle. Cost on these I can’t imagine is enough for Thule to worry about reviews but this one definitely needs a redesign.
Originally reviewed on thule-us-ca
August 30, 2024
doesn’t last long
i’ve had this wind fairing for maybe 18 months. the straps that hold it to the rack broke so i went to reorder in the spare parts sections. 4 replacement brackets cost as much as the whole product! needless to say, not ordering it replacibg this fancy plastic panel.
Originally reviewed on thule-us-ca
March 27, 2024
Really makes the rack quiet
This screen really works well. My rack is super quiet now. No more annoying whistling noise. Easy to install too.
Originally reviewed on thule-us-ca
June 30, 2023
Nice
Nice, just one thing, when you are betwen a truck, the airscreen shake on the top little bite.
Originally reviewed on thule-us-ca
June 28, 2023
Wanted to love this
I bought this for use with my rooftop tent as it is very noisy. I followed the mediocre fitment guide. It does fit....kinda. Install is easy but it can't be tightened so it constantly knocks on the sunroof of my car which is almost more annoying than the wind noise. I installed it on a 2019 CX-5 with fixed point roof bars and this sits on the sunroof, this has pros and cons. The pro is that it doesn't sit on the paint at all and I didn't have to put the stupid paint saving stickers on my car the Con's would be that it sits on my sunroof so I can't use the sunroof which sucks since I made sure to get the bars that wouldn't interfere with the sunroof operation. I wouldn't buy this again unfortunately and I feel I over paid by way more than this cheap piece of plastic is worth definitely paid for the name not the product.
Originally reviewed on thule-us-ca
April 25, 2023
Not as expected...
First, I'm a big fan of Thule. Great service/after service and really enjoy every piece that I bought here. BUT for the first time, I will not recommend this one. I put the size large on my new Kia Telluride for reduce the sound of my evo wingbar. This part is working.. it is reducing the noise from the wingbar but the AirScreen XT L don't stay in place. It is clapping on my roof even if I do everything that Thule recommended. Loose the strap, Tight the strap, move the wingbar.. It still flapping on the right side one day and left side on the other day. Just not working properly. Need improvement and I'm sure that Thule will do.
Originally reviewed on thule-us-ca
December 5, 2022
Great fit for a 22’ Mitsubishi Outlander
It eliminated all of the howling between my cross bars and around 70% of the wind noise. While it took a little bit of effort to tighten all the straps, the entire assembly was well designed and solid. I’ve driven it at highway speeds and the setup remains tight and in place. Compared to its competitors, I found it to be more durable (due to the plastic reinforcements on the side) while remaining lightweight.
Originally reviewed on thule-us-ca
July 13, 2022
Worked perfectly!
I bought this to eliminate some noise coming from the eco bar roof rack recently installed. It worked perfectly! Easy to instal and did exactly what it was supposed to do. Much quieter ride with the sunroof open now. Thanks Thule.
Originally reviewed on thule-us-ca
December 13, 2021
Great product but
I just bought air screen and it 100% helps with the wind noise but at highway speeds I’m hearing a rattling sound like it’s smacking against the roof?
Originally reviewed on thule-us-ca
Do you have a question about this product?
Related Searches
Thule XT Airscreen wind guardRoof rack noise reduction solutionTool-free attachment for roof racksDurable rubber stoppers for stabilityCompatible with WingBar Evo and AeroBladeLimited lifetime warranty on Thule productsTravel-friendly roof rack accessoryEasy installation for all roof rack usersEnhance your vehicle's aerodynamicsWhistling prevention for highway travelLightweight design for effortless handlingPremium quality for adventurous travelersLearn more about Airscreen XT Wind Fairing