A roof rack might seem like a great idea for hauling snowboards, luggage, or bikes on your vehicle. Roof racks, though, increase drag and reduce your vehicle mileage very considerably. So is the roof rack worth it or is there an additional option?
The roof rack effect
Sure, a roof rack on your car can haul lots of stuff. Merely having an empty roof rack on your car will reduce your mileage by as much as 10 to 12 percent. Your mileage will reduce 20 to 30 percent if you an snowboards, mountain bike, skis, rooftop box, or kayak to the roof rack. That could turn your Prius into a gas-guzzler or your minivan into an oil hog.
Other places to place your stuff
Hauling stuff on your roof rack reduces your gas mileage. That doesn’t mean you are able to give up hauling gear. So how do we work with this mpg situation? You have a couple of possibilities.
A mounted rear rack
For bicycles and smaller items, mounting a rack on the back of your car may be your best option. This will still provide hauling space and will improve your gas mileage by 10 percent over a roof rack. Rear-mounted racks can work on hatchbacks, sedans or station wagons.
A trailer that is aerodynamic
A well intended trailer might be able to improve your miles per gallon. The hit that you end up taking will be a much smaller one.
Rent an additional car
The best gas mileage will come whenever you have your gear in the car. If your car is not big enough, and you also are preparing a long trip, it may be financially easier for you to rent a automobile that can haul anything. You could easily spend less to rent at $ 10 to $ 20 a day.
