MPG loss with spare on top...

[Sup41]

I know I'm not the first to post about this dilemma..but I hoped someone might have some specifics.

I'd really like the Baja or Gobi rack so I can keep my stuff up there while I sleep in the car.

I reaaaaally don't wanna spend the 2k it's gonna cost to buy a bumper / swing away.

It would be a lot more cost effective (maybe) to keep the tire on top...but will it affect MPG that much? Anyone ever measure the difference?

Im on a 3" lift with toyo open country 33's

Thanks!!

 

[psraff]

Are you talking about keeping it up there all the time, or just when you're loaded with gear? If only when loaded with gear, I wouldn't be worried about mpg because you're already have a few hundred lbs of extra gear on board. If you're talking about mounting it full time, you'll loose a mile or two. I would be more concerned with safety and not having a giant flying projectile in case of an accident. Too many people don't secure them enough and I just cringe when I see the possibilities of what could happen.

Just having my rack mounted alone I lost 1 mpg plus I could feel the drag at times (when I have the deflector turned upin it's normal position).

 

[psraff]

Also what size tire would you be dealing with? No matter what she tells you.... size matters! :lmao: I'm on my phone, but it looks like you're not lifted or anything that extreme so that's good. If you're talking about throwing a 315/75x16 up there after your back end is lifted 4", you're a bigger man then I am.

Just talking about a normal sized spare on a near stock rig should be fine.

 

[Folsom4Rnr]

I thought about putting the spare up top too, but like the prior post says, securing it was a concern for me so I opted not to. Instead I was able to find a used CBI fold down tire carrier (like this one: Bo's FDTC - Premium). While not a perfect solution, it's been a great find for me as it also secures my Hi-Lift. Plus the MPG hit is less than 1 (lift, tires, rack all had more individual impact than the CBI carrier).

 

[Sup41]

Also what size tire would you be dealing with? No matter what she tells you.... size matters! :lmao: I'm on my phone, but it looks like you're not lifted or anything that extreme so that's good. If you're talking about throwing a 315/75x16 up there after your back end is lifted 4", you're a bigger man then I am.

Just talking about a normal sized spare on a near stock rig should be fine.

Lol...3" lift with 33's toyo open countries

 

[Sup41]

I thought about putting the spare up top too, but like the prior post says, securing it was a concern for me so I opted not to. Instead I was able to find a used CBI fold down tire carrier (like this one: Bo's FDTC - Premium). While not a perfect solution, it's been a great find for me as it also secures my Hi-Lift. Plus the MPG hit is less than 1 (lift, tires, rack all had more individual impact than the CBI carrier).

Whoah! I never thought of this idea. Do they make this for 3rd gen?

 

[Folsom4Rnr]

Whoah! I never thought of this idea. Do they make this for 3rd gen?

I have seen a couple different types of hitch mounted systems ... the CBI one I have and another by Wilco ( Tiregate??) that just slide in to a standard 2" tow hitch. Provided you have the right size hitch, I don't see why it would not work. You could always call/email CBI and confirm (I'd recommend before ordering); I've heard CBI is super helpful. Hope that helps.

 

[WenatcheeSkier]

https://www.wilcooffroad.com/shop/hitchgate/ I was thinking of building a light version of one of these... Off road bumpers are too heavy IMO