Cargo Carrier vs Wind Resistance ?

nmdream
nmdream Posts: 30
in Trailer & Towing
I am sure if I thought of it , many have tried it. So, since I am new and ready to take the hit. Enjoy !
Has anyone had any noticeable decrease in wind resistance / increase MPG by adding a cargo carrier of any particular design to the TV roof. For long haulers even a couple of MPG's can be a blessing. Would love to hear from trial and error or success stories of any degree. 
TV is a 2020 Tucson Ultimate, low side of the scale I know, but for now it will have to suffice 2.4 L 181 HP handles the T@B 320 (empty) really well so far. Just brought it over the Appalachian's Ohio to SC. First time real adventure. Averaged 13.5 mpg between 60-70 and only pucker time was the huge piece of Semi Tire that took a little sidestep to avoid (trailer Dance and a small the "stay calm" voice. Else all went fairly well for the little engine that could.
I am REALLY new to travel trailers, but not without some degree of brain matter. Have fun and be gentle.. for now.
Robert (NMDREAM)
2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee, 4WD 5.8 w/full factory tow pkg. (avg. 14-17)
Backup is the 2020 Hyundai Tucson Limited 2.4L, 181 HP (avg 15-18 mpg)
 SC to Southern Ca. - Flagstaff - Home. Many trips to the Appalachia's. Still going =)
2019 T@B 320 S 
If you listen carefully, you can heart the petroleum CEO's giggling   ;)
 

Comments

  • Marceline
    Marceline Posts: 1,767
    Yes, any roof rack + cargo box will reduce your MPG somewhat. But when I'm on a long trip I really like to be able to lock up a bunch of stuff in the "attic." If you're really concerned about MPG the best thing that you can do is keep your speed below 60mph.

    San Francisco Bay Area | 2013 CS-S us@gi | 2015 Toyota Tacoma PreRunner Double Cab

  • Verna
    Verna Posts: 6,876
    I used a Thule aerodynamic roof box on my Tacoma’s fiberglass shell’s roof rack when I left to spend the winter in Arizona. Gas mileage loss was negligible, and the waterproof storage was excellent. 
    Verna, Columbus, IN
    2021 T@B 320S  Boondock “The T@B”
    Towed by a white 2019 Ford F-150 4x4 Supercab, 3.5L V6 Ecoboost “The Truck”
  • Marceline
    Marceline Posts: 1,767
    Verna said:
    I used a Thule aerodynamic roof box on my Tacoma’s fiberglass shell’s roof rack when I left to spend the winter in Arizona. Gas mileage loss was negligible, and the waterproof storage was excellent. 
    A fair amount of the fuel efficiency loss is due to the racks themselves, even without a box. 

    San Francisco Bay Area | 2013 CS-S us@gi | 2015 Toyota Tacoma PreRunner Double Cab

  • nmdream
    nmdream Posts: 30
    Not the answers I was hoping for, I had hoped the carrier would help reduce the drag the face of the trailer was giving, tall rounded sail vs wedge shaped into wind.  Drag etc.. I get it.
    Good website info by the way Marceline, TY.
    Sacrifice's will have to be made by speed reduction and (maybe enjoy the ride a just a little longer, see the off the beaten track sites). I miss that. We will just try to re-plan this trip a little to compensate.
    Until I can retire :) 
    Thanks for the response all 
    2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee, 4WD 5.8 w/full factory tow pkg. (avg. 14-17)
    Backup is the 2020 Hyundai Tucson Limited 2.4L, 181 HP (avg 15-18 mpg)
     SC to Southern Ca. - Flagstaff - Home. Many trips to the Appalachia's. Still going =)
    2019 T@B 320 S 
    If you listen carefully, you can heart the petroleum CEO's giggling   ;)
     
  • qhumberd
    qhumberd Posts: 871
    I put a galleon rack on our Tundra and have carried two kayaks in front of the trailer and noted no real decrease in gas mileage. I was surprised but I do not tow over 65 and usually 55-60 on non interstates. My mileage without the rack was about 12-13 mpg towing. With the rack and kayaks around 12 mpg. Just the truck no trailer is 15 mpg. Not good I know, but for me the cost of this new pastime.

    Maybe the boats do deflect some of the wind hitting the front of the trailer? I must say the ride was fine.



    2019 T@B 400 Boondock Lite towed by 2016 5.7L Toyota Tundra

  • Marceline
    Marceline Posts: 1,767
    nmdream said:
    Not the answers I was hoping for, I had hoped the carrier would help reduce the drag the face of the trailer was giving, tall rounded sail vs wedge shaped into wind.  Drag etc.. I get it.

    That's an interesting theory. Anyone have access to a wind tunnel? 😆

    San Francisco Bay Area | 2013 CS-S us@gi | 2015 Toyota Tacoma PreRunner Double Cab

  • nmdream
    nmdream Posts: 30
    Says the V6 ! LOL ;)


    2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee, 4WD 5.8 w/full factory tow pkg. (avg. 14-17)
    Backup is the 2020 Hyundai Tucson Limited 2.4L, 181 HP (avg 15-18 mpg)
     SC to Southern Ca. - Flagstaff - Home. Many trips to the Appalachia's. Still going =)
    2019 T@B 320 S 
    If you listen carefully, you can heart the petroleum CEO's giggling   ;)
     

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