MPG loss with roof rack ?

[RockyMtnHigh]

Just curious if you guys that are running roof racks have noticed any loss of mpg? I drive 60-70 miles a day so I need every mpg I can get.

 

[oljedi11950]

Oh I'm sure you can make bank on that [MENTION=90379]RockyMtnHigh[/MENTION] ! Not so much unloaded but with load for sure .

 

[cougarzluv]

I'm seeing a high rate of mpg loss after installing my bajarack. I'm getting even with the mpg I had with my lifted metal heavy (metal bumper, etc.) Fj.
I'm in the 14's and 15's and I haven't even installed the lift yet. But, I am still in the break in period so I'm hoping I gain a little back.

 

[3wbdriver]

Yes. It's a freaking sail!

 

[RiDE]

If you need the MPG, a rack is not going to help at all. Or a lift. Or wider tires. Or even a 4Runner. The Prius mod is the way to go.

 

[BrianSD_42]

Oh how sweet it is to loose 2 MPG and drive 99.9% of your annual mileage with an empty roof rack.

eep:

 

[2014 Warthog]

The MPG loss with my roof rack with normal driving wasn't even noticeable (Baja short rack)

I specifically got a short rack for that very reason actually. The airstream over the top of the cab is not affected much by the rack and light as the leading edge sits back in the vacuum layer for the most part.

 

[quick AG surfer]

I have an ARB touring rack - it's 3/4 length of the roof
I second what warthog said about the rack sitting back.
My mpg was 18.2-18.4 prior to the rack and now I'm getting 17.9 - 18.1
Minimal loss in mpg compared to other reports out there

 

[wfo9]

The std/short Baja racks are not bad when unloaded.

However, when loaded it is a ~2-3mpg at speeds over 60mph. Not so bad if you are in thin air up in the mountains...

 

[wpen]

I get a consistent 17 mpg with a lift, 285 tires and a full length Baja rack. Loaded is a different story but for normal every day driving 17 mpg.

 

[RockyMtnHigh]

Good to know, guys. I may go the shorty baja route. Ive done the lift with 265's and im getting 18-19 mostly.

 

[Jhalko]

I saw no difference with my rack (unloaded of course). As soon as I put anything up there the mileage drops... But if I'm putting stuff on top that means it's full inside so it's weight along with wind resistance at that point.

 

[Neauxla]

I think I lost .2 MPG with my drabbits rack

 

[Jhalko]

I think I lost .2 MPG with my drabbits rack

Did you control for other factors?

:hiding:

 

[Neauxla]

Nope. That is solely based on my handy dandy MPG calculator on my dash going from 16 to 15.8 :hiding:

 

[bdon]

I just got the Baja utility rack and ladder 2 weeks ago...i noticed a tenth of a mile per gallon drop on my mileage for the unloaded rack.

 

[fattire]

I lost 1 MPG with the FrontRunner Slimline II (15.7 to 14.7 mixed driving). It does have a much more boxy design compared to those discussed above.

 

[Kotrin]

After all I've done before my roof rack I saw no change with the Gobi. I continiously get around 15 then 17 a long overland highway trips

 

[Jetboy]

I had Yakima Control Towers on my last 4runner. They were fantastic for easy on/off of the roof rack. I custom made a basket that fit with the yakima bars and it worked great to toss on when I needed it and leave it at home the other 95% of the time. If you want the best mileage, that's probably the best way to go.

You could build something similar for whatever mounting style you decide to use if you get rid of the factory rails. There are a lot of different quick release options out there that could be welded on to most roof rack feet.

 

[muverick]

At 214k+miles on my 2006 4Runner and never having used the roof rack, I decided to remove just the cross bars. After 2 weeks and a couple of trips in excess of 50 miles, I have gained 0.2 MPG per the "computer". Even with my mixed driving- local and some longer distance, it is holding at the new 18.5 MPG. Oh happy day.