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Roof rack with tire?

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Accessories and Modifications' started by Priipriii, Aug 25, 2023.

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  1. Priipriii

    Priipriii Member

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    I want to put a roof rack on my prius with a spare prius tire i have thats not the donut. This should free up space in the trunk. I have the tire and roof rack, but not the mounts yet.

    Anyone that has one on theirs, is there a significant mpg loss or is it minor like less than 2mpg. Its low profile enough that i dont think it would cause too big of a drag, but i have no testing yet since im still waiting to put it on. Any thoughts?
     
    #1 Priipriii, Aug 25, 2023
  2. PriusHead05

    PriusHead05 Member

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    I think it would look pretty cool especially with a lift, but yes, you will lose mpg. With just the racks, I think it 1 or 2 mpg. With the tire, it's probably more. Let's see what the others say, with their experience.
     
    #2 PriusHead05, Aug 25, 2023
  3. PriusCamper

    PriusCamper Senior Member

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    Yes, very significant MPG loss... Get a hitch and a hitch haul for the back of the car where MPG loss won't happen as much.
     
    #3 PriusCamper, Aug 25, 2023
  4. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk EGR Fanatic

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    Just using the temp spare is not an option?
     
    #4 Mendel Leisk, Aug 25, 2023
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  5. black_jmyntrn

    black_jmyntrn Senior Member

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    this was my first setup

    wp-1619124101213-scaled.jpg

    the thing is, once you realize it's a Prius, you start out with the best mpg... any lost in mpg you are still winning so you forget about any mpg lost...

    now that I have the prius low profile roof rack, this is how it looks
    The Prius that made an Impact on how people view their own Prius! - YouTube

    One thing I notice... those who make comments about significant lost this and that... I can bet money they haven't tried it themselves and just speaking on what they read online or THINK they know... I might be the only one here who has done it to comment on your post!

    The Peanut Gallery is strong around these parts.
     
    #5 black_jmyntrn, Aug 25, 2023
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  6. black_jmyntrn

    black_jmyntrn Senior Member

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    I agree with you!

     
    #6 black_jmyntrn, Aug 25, 2023
  7. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    #7 bisco, Aug 25, 2023
  8. PriusCamper

    PriusCamper Senior Member

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    Also the sheet metal in temp spare tire well (if you have one) could easily be reshaped to hold a full size spare tire if you have the right tools and patience. Just watch youtube videos on the making of steel drums from oil barrels in the Caribbean. :)
     
    #8 PriusCamper, Aug 25, 2023
  9. Priipriii

    Priipriii Member

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    It is, and i probably will have that one up there as well. But its more convenient to have a 5th wheel that is same as the rest so i wont be time constrained to change it out compared to a spare donut that isnt meant as a permanent solution. I had a situation where i did have to drive on a donut and ended up buying a tire at a mark up to get it up and running again. Hence why i now carry a back up 5th tire. I just want it attached to the vehicle as opposed to sitting in the garage taking up space.

    With both the spare and the jack with tools removed from the back, i can actually store stuff underneath the trunk board.
     
    #9 Priipriii, Aug 26, 2023
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