Crazy mpg hit with cargo box

How often you're driving on the freeway defines how bad the loss in MPG... And compared to how many options you have once you install a hitch on the back, I'd always go with the hitch and never the top of the car.

 

That is a giant roofbox! I would be thinking about something like these if I don't want to buy a hitch!

 

I have that exact same roof box . I've never put it on my Prius and always wondered how it would look. It's surprising how much your mpg dropped... Thanks for posting pics.

 

As long as you don't have too much weight to carry, I would think that a hitch mounted box would have way less mpg impact. Access to the tailgate is another consideration.
It's not just tbe aero affect of the roof mounted box itself.
It's how much it screws up airflow over the roof and makes a huge "dead space" behind the car.

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I'm getting about 38.5 mpg. With oversized tires. I had that same box and ended up switching to the Thule one and spent that extra 300 dollars on a better box

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Can you tell us more about your tent in the back? Doesn't look like a habitent, but something different?

 

Nice! where is this campground?

 

Damn, the box is a huge hit. I've got oversized all-seasons (27" instead of the 25" Ecopias) on my lifted car, and my hit is maybe 2-3 mpg at most. Like I still get about 50 mpg going 70-75 mph, and going 65 mph it's more like 53 mpg (referring to gasoline engine only, I can only charge my battery once a week).

 

It's a riteline from REI
https://www.google.com/aclk?sa=l&ai=DChcSEwjpqOSX5c7vAhWlPa0GHUOpALoYABAHGgJwdg&sig=AOD64_0K_YfPteqxgsvoFRiLfoM7UkPtdA&ctype=5&q=&ved=2ahUKEwihwtuX5c7vAhWBFjQIHftNAQAQwg96BAgBECo&adurl=

It worked for that trip but I don't recommend it because the pole sleeves are made of mesh,

Also, if you plan to RDY mode your engine, make sure to either modify your exhaust to output on the right side or dryer hose it.

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This is El Capitan along the 101 freeway just north of Santa Barbara california.
You can usually grab a spot no reservation if people don't show up. They have a list posted at the booth everyday.

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Yup. You lose about 10mpg with a top box

 

Ok! No wonder it looks a bit familiar... I think I camped there once maybe....15years ago(I was on my motorcycle). Thanks for your reply! My first day of camping(of any trips)are usuall at San Simian outside of Cambria on PCH up north! Not as spacious as El Captian but I love a morning drive beetween there and Big Sur!

 

I still have an 06' that gets 60 mpg on a good day, and I've tried the hitch thing, talk about a mpg hit! Guess it depends on what you're pulling there. That roof rack looks like it will absolutely ruin the aerodynamics of the car thus your mpg hit. If I were going on a long trip and had a few things to bring, I would fold down the rear seats. That will give you plenty of room for things ( I have fit a 6' door in there) but you can only have one other person with you ie; the passenger front seat. If traveling alone, that's even better!

 

Yeah, it's still better than your average SUV at 40. I will never return the kinds of numbers like the hypermilers here, which I'm a bit jealous of, but the most important thing to me is to have a car that I can use for hiking that gets good enough mileage. Good enough that I don't feel too guilty about burning fuel... and I do pretty long road trips for my backpacking too so spending less is nice.

 

I consider it a crime to get anything less than 50mpg on the highway in a Prius. With that said, any box has to go if the mileage takes a hit.

 

It is true... They build sports cars to go really fast, they build trucks to haul heavy stuff and they build Prius to get the very best MPG possible. Those who get bad gas mileage in their Prius do a grievous dishonor to their Prius and our community! We need to ban them if they're unwilling to change their ways!

 

Now now, even a Prius with lower MPG is still producing lower emissions! And performing the social good of annoying Prii haters...