Roof racks, aerodynamics and MPG....

[bigdonniebrasco]

Obviously MPG will take a hit if you decrease already poor aerodynamics, but for those of you with roof racks, did your MPG take a horrible hit, or just minor?

Thanks!

Don

ps... I am just thinking of putting my spare tire up there to improve exit angle.

 

[kolelt]

Obviously MPG will take a hit if you decrease already poor aerodynamics, but for those of you with roof racks, did your MPG take a horrible hit, or just minor?

Thanks!

Don

ps... I am just thinking of putting my spare tire up there to improve exit angle.

Don't notice anything. With tire you might notice a .0000001 of mph drop probably

 

[bigdonniebrasco]

thank you!

 

[gamefreakgc]

I thought for sure my snowboard racks were killing my MPG's. Took them off and was surprised to have no change. Then I realized I am essentially driving a large, high clearance box so it didn't really matter at all.

 

[bigdonniebrasco]

I am essentially driving a large, high clearance box so it didn't really matter at all.

Good point!

 

[4Runner4TW]

Currently painting my cargo basket as we speak

 

[T5RUNNER]

Just a rack with cross bars doesn't do much, but a full basket with stuff on top is one of the biggest mpg killing mods you can do.

 

[atalarico]

I'll be the dissenting voice then, yes, I noticed a few MPG difference with my Thule setup (rails and MOABasket). It also added a noticeable amount of wind noise. Honestly, it was annoying to have on my DD and it made fitting into parking garages a challenge. I rarely use it so I just took it off and put it back on when I need it.

Your results may vary, but it's all personal preference! Like someone else said, we drive a large box of a truck, so our MPG's aren't stellar to begin with. For me, when it took me from an average of 19-20 hwy to 16-17, I didn't think it was worth it for something I don't use that often.

 

[hounddogman]

I'm going to guess that it depends on how fast you drive . I put on a blocky Surco and watched mpg close and didn't notice any difference . But I live in the mountains and can go through 2 or 3 tanks and never get over 50 MPG . Of course , 4.88s and 33s kills the mpg any way .

 

[TXLX1]

I have a pretty low profile 3/4 rack. Haven't noticed any noise or significant drop in MPG. I get 14-16 usually.