Thule roof rack vs. fuel mileage...

[macbuddy]

I wanted to post this thread to let everyone know what effect a Thule roof rack and soft cargo carrier has on fuel mileage.
On my trip down to San Diego last week, I was totally surprised to find that I only got 26 mpg! Without the rack, I am used to seeing 34-39 mpg on this trip.



Looks like manxman already beat me to it!
posted 09-16-2007:

Originally Posted by manxman

My worst mpg with the rack/fairing in my AT Sport was 27. Without the rack, normal mileage is 35-38 highway.

Well, at least our figures are similar, so I guess this is par for a GD3 with a roof rack and cargo carrier.
Hmm, you think maybe I could gain a mile or so if I added a fairing!

-macbuddy-

[manxman]

Originally Posted by macbuddy

I wanted to post this thread to let everyone know what effect a Thule roof rack and soft cargo carrier has on fuel mileage.
On my trip down to San Diego last week, I was totally surprised to find that I only got 26 mpg! Without the rack, I am used to seeing 34-39 mpg on this trip.


Looks like manxman already beat me to it!
posted 09-16-2007:

Well, at least our figures are similar, so I guess this is par for a GD3 with a roof rack and cargo carrier.
Hmm, you think maybe I could gain a mile or so if I added a fairing!

-macbuddy-

Nope- adding a faring won't help mileage. It just reduces wind noise (which is its purpose).

[VillageIdiot]

I learned of the downside of roof racks on a 40 HP Beetle 40 years ago..... Never again!

[manxman]

Originally Posted by VillageIdiot

I learned of the downside of roof racks on a 40 HP Beetle 40 years ago..... Never again!

Roof racks are only a mistake if you leave them on the car all of the time. If you do that, you should have bought a pickup truck, not a Fit (just a general tip- not criticism of the "young VillageIdiot"). Over the weekend, I rented a 3/4 ton new GMC pickup to haul home a new 8' sofa and a BarcaLounger recliner chair. In a 100 mile round trip, the beast of a truck got 24 mpg. It reminded me of how happy I am that I don't drive that kind of vehicle around all the time.

[claymore]

Farings are for wind cutting so you can go faster. LOL

[sooznd]

As an aside-
I have a rear hitch on my Fit that I use for a swagman platform bike rack. It does not seem to affect mileage at all with one bike on it. I haven't yet calculated with two bikes on the rack. Got a whopping 42 mpg with my grandson's small bike on the rack driving mostly highway.

[VillageIdiot]

I like the idea of using a platform carrier instead of a roof rack... I'm a big guy but still would find it difficult to place a bike on top of a Fit without something to stand on and since the Fit has rear doors to access the rear of the car from, there is no need to use the hatch door in most situations.... Manxman's thread on air shocks comes to mind when I think of using a platform carrier for heavier items and an anti sway bar would also be beneficial as well.

[manxman]

Originally Posted by VillageIdiot

I like the idea of using a platform carrier instead of a roof rack... I'm a big guy but still would find it difficult to place a bike on top of a Fit without something to stand on and since the Fit has rear doors to access the rear of the car from, there is no need to use the hatch door in most situations.... Manxman's thread on air shocks comes to mind when I think of using a platform carrier for heavier items and an anti sway bar would also be beneficial as well.

I have held off from buying a hitch platform because I have not found one that will fit a 1-1/4" Class I receiver and can be folded upward to a vertical position. A rigid platform sticking out from my bumper is guaranteed to hit the ground when I turn into my driveway from the street (very steep angle). I am sure that the folding platforms are meant to be locked into either a horizontal or vertical position. But in any situation where the platform is going to hit the street going over a steeply angled driveway, one that can pivot upward will prevent my car from getting stuck.

I have seen a lot of folding platforms for 2" receivers, but have not yet found one for a 1-1/4". But, I also have not looked very hard yet.

For my needs, carrying doors, lumber, etc., my Thule roof rack works fine and a hitch platform would not work at all. In carrying any weight at all on a platform, I think that the air shocks would be an absolute MUST have.

[VillageIdiot]

I guess I am fortunate that my wife had a pretty decent GMC pickup when we met and didn't choose to trade it in or sell it when she got the Forester. She lets me drive it when I need haul things to large to go into the Fit... The old truck has been driven less than 500 miles in the last 14 months but is alway ready to go when it is needed.

[manxman]

Having a truck "in the family" is good. I had a beautiful Ford F-150 Super Cab, but as gas prices started to escalate back in '06, it really bugged me to be driving alone everywhere in an empty truck that can hold six people. I needed its hauling ability about once a year. So I sold it and bought my first Fit. Now, instead of paying for a truck license, registration, insurance, and lower fuel efficiency than a Fit, I rent a new pickup whenever I need one for $50.00 a day from a local rental agency. $50-100. a year for a rental is a lot cheaper than maintaining my own truck all year long.