Delete this please.

[Obi..]

Thanks.

[Good Times]

I have a Yak version and surprisingly didn't notice much of a mpg drop at all (if any). I believe this is due to the aerodynamic design so that could be it. I was originally skeptical about having a big box above but after Bob got one for his 4runner and used it on several trips I was sold immediately.

I store all of my sleeping, clothing and any light (weight) gear up there. The rest of the heavy stuff goes inside the cabin. Frees up a lot of space too! Now all I have in the back are my tools, recovery gear, emergency bags and food!

Found an used box on craigslist for dirt cheap :)

Here's what my box looks like.

http://www.ultimateyota.com/images/stories/biopics/lance_truck.jpg

[Bob98SR5]

norcal,

as lance mentioned, i used it on a few trips and did not suffer any mileage drop at all. must be the shape.

[4Runner202020]

my mpg went down like crazy!!! i lost a good 30 to 40 miles a tank...

bobby

[04 Rocko Taco]

Bobby, that seems pretty extreme....
What type of rack/box are you using?
Also, was anything else doen to the rig at the same time?

[paddlenbike]

Those rooftop baskets seem to knock 1-1.5 mpg off your fuel economy, while the Yakima spacecase-style carriers do much better, fuel-wise.

[4Runner202020]

i had the yakima. i drive a good 100 miles a day to work and back all highway and i can get a good 250 to 260 miles out of a tank (when i drive to work i dont have the rook rack). and over labor day weekend i drove to lake mcconaughey (With the rack on) whick is a 205 mile drive (all highway) and i pulled into the gas station right off the exit with my gas light on. i did have more weight in the car but i could feel the drag a lot.

bobby

[04 Rocko Taco]

any idea what you are pulling per gallon Bobby? I have never found 'per tank' mileages very helpful when you talk to wheelers.... as thanks to rocks, and other hard things on the ground, we all seem to have different sized gas tanks. :)
But assuming you are looking at the stock tank size, which is around 18.5 gallons, iirc...
30-40 mile loss per tank, figures to be about 1.6 - 2.1 mpg....
So that would be right around in the same range as other people have reported.

[Erich_870]

I lost 1.7 mpg with my Thule MOAB. This is from actual gas mileage data from the last 2 years :hillbill:

Erich

[4Runner202020]

i have the 96 so my tank is smaller that other 4runners... i get anywhere from 16 to 18 mpg... pretty good for stock 4.3's and 35's. lol

bobby

[Good Times]

Shane,

I also had the Yakima Megawarrior and my mpg suffered by at least 2mpg. I guess the baskets have more drag compared to the box.

Bobby,

which Yakima did you have? the basket or the box?

[surf4runner]

Those rooftop baskets seem to knock 1-1.5 mpg off

i add a basket to the stock rack and when loaded, thats about the drop i see.
the weight/drag is likely also a factor

[Erich_870]

I guess the baskets have more drag compared to the box.


I definitely agree with that. The baskets create huge amounts of turbulent air, where as those stream-line boxes would allow a more laminar flow.

Erich

[Ric]

I dont really pay attention, but Ive read somewhere that someone documented MPG with and without, and without he got something like only 1MPG better.

[4Runner202020]

Shane,

I also had the Yakima Megawarrior and my mpg suffered by at least 2mpg. I guess the baskets have more drag compared to the box.

Bobby,

which Yakima did you have? the basket or the box?


i have the basket.

[Erich_870]

I dont really pay attention, but Ive read somewhere that someone documented MPG with and without, and without he got something like only 1MPG better.


I have some pretty substantial fuel economy records that make me very confident with my numbers. I'll post the specifics when I get home but the only way to get even more accurate is to never change anything on a rig except the roof rack. This isn't feasible for normal people who change things like tires, fluids, etc.

Erich