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1500 mile drive and roof rack

Discussion in '5th Gen 4Runners (2010-2024)' started by Ctreg, Apr 2, 2024.

  1. Apr 2, 2024 at 9:42 AM
    #1
    Ctreg

    Ctreg [OP] New Member

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    I am going on a 1500 mile trip (3000 miles round trip). I will need the room for some things
    (camping stuff) and am thinking I might install a HF roof rack for the trip. How bad do you guess will this affect my aerodynamics? I am getting like 14 mpg right now so...?
     
  2. Apr 2, 2024 at 9:50 AM
    #2
    jdm-v35

    jdm-v35 New Member

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    When I put my SSO roof rack on I lost .5mpg. -1mpg more if I have my RTT on(basically a big brick on top of a bigger brick).

    if it's just the small basket type you probably wont lose much until you load it up.
     
    Thatbassguy likes this.
  3. Apr 2, 2024 at 9:56 AM
    #3
    Thatbassguy

    Thatbassguy New member? Really??

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    I lose around 10% fuel economy with my roof rack on (Yakima Megawarrior with the extension). It will be worse at higher speeds.

    It's worth it if you need the space.
     
    steelevo and jdm-v35 like this.
  4. Apr 2, 2024 at 10:14 AM
    #4
    2021venture

    2021venture New Member

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    The higher up the rack sits the more you notice wind drag and cross winds at highway speeds.
     
    1SilverRunner likes this.
  5. Apr 2, 2024 at 10:37 AM
    #5
    Ctreg

    Ctreg [OP] New Member

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    Bleh, well no choice need the storage space.
     
  6. Apr 2, 2024 at 11:11 AM
    #6
    PVT Pablo

    PVT Pablo

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    Have you considered a hitch mount carrier?
     
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  7. Apr 2, 2024 at 11:28 AM
    #7
    Ctreg

    Ctreg [OP] New Member

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    I will need my departure angle to be as high as possible for where we are going. So I can not use the hitch mounted thing.
     
    1SilverRunner likes this.
  8. Apr 2, 2024 at 11:35 AM
    #8
    PVT Pablo

    PVT Pablo

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    I did a trip from Virginia Beach to Seattle with the 4Runner loaded down with people, dogs, luggage etc. I had a roof rack (Gobi) with lights, and a roof bag holding 4 large suit cases. With 33" tires I got between 12 and 13 mpg and was doing 70 most of the way. I don't think aerodynamics is too much of a concern based on my numbers. I did ensure the roof bag was synched down to limit the flappy crap however and make it as smooth as possible.
     
    Last edited: Apr 2, 2024
  9. Apr 2, 2024 at 11:42 AM
    #9
    Trees91

    Trees91 New Member

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    I used Lfd cross bars and a cheapo harbor freight basket with a cargo bag on it. Average about 18mpg with that on. 1" level and 255/75 at tires. Worth it for the extra cargo room.
     
  10. Apr 2, 2024 at 12:23 PM
    #10
    Ctreg

    Ctreg [OP] New Member

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    I am going to paint the crossbars from HF black to match the rack on my runner. I think it will look pretty descent.
     
  11. Apr 2, 2024 at 1:01 PM
    #11
    1SilverRunner

    1SilverRunner My boy, blue

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    +1 for the LFD Cross bars.

    Works great to carry a few items up top when needed. When unloaded it does not effect MPG's. Very minimal wind noise as well.
    If I needed a lot of space up top I'd go with a Gobi.
    If I wanted modularity (adding RTT/ lighting/ awnings) probably a Sherpa
     
  12. Apr 2, 2024 at 1:16 PM
    #12
    mainerunr

    mainerunr New Member

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    Thule on factory bars (or LFD bars) probably a little better for aero...if your stuff fits in one.
     
  13. Apr 2, 2024 at 4:44 PM
    #13
    steelevo

    steelevo Not so new anymore...

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    I run a Thule Motion XT on road trips and it affects the MPG by about 1/2 - 1 MPG depending on the speed.
     
  14. Apr 2, 2024 at 4:52 PM
    #14
    backpacker

    backpacker New Member

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    Rola rooftop basket on the 4x4 Designs mounts (lowest profile possible) incurs about 1 mpg penalty, maybe a tad more.
     

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