Road trip question...

[Doozi]

Hey guys! I'm getting ready to head out on a 2200-mile trip (1100 miles each way, returning with a 5x8 U-haul box trailer lightly loaded) in the 4Runner and wanted to get your thoughts on my Rola roof basket...

Should I leave it on or take it off for the trip?

I'm just wondering how much of an impact it might have on mileage.

Thanks for your input,
~Doozi

 

[gm350reratliff]

Do you need the rack to put stuff up there? Without the trailer I think you would see a difference in mpgs rack vs. no rack. However, with a trailer, mpgs won't be all that great anyway. I'm not sure you will see a change.

 

[JohnsD90]

Unless you desperatley need it, dont use it, it will show a noticable difference in MPG's.

 

[Doozi]

Thanks guys! I figured that I would just take it off as I won't need it during the trip, but wanted to see what others thought. I guess that maximizing my mileage on the way out there without the trailer will help offset the trip back with the trailer. I'm curious to see what kind of mileage I end up getting each way.

Thanks again!

 

[Pikeman]

a year ago I did a 800 mile road trip. I bought my scanguage just for that trip and I took my rack off. I was able to find the speed that gave me the best MPG and set the cruise control.(for me it was 72mph) I averaged 21.8mpg. This year I did a 500 mile trip and left the roof rack on. I again used the scangauge to watch for best mpg set the cruise control. speed was now 75mph and I averaged 20.5. This was a total loss of 1.3mpg. That is minor for day to day but over 2200 miles it can be a tank or two of gas. I still suggest using a scangauge or Ultragauge to help figure out best speed to mpg and use the Cruise control. Figured I would give you input from someone that a) has a rack and b) has made a long distance trip both with and without.