light bar on roof -- how much impact on fuel efficiency?

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Fuel Economy' started by judoman09, Jan 3, 2023.

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  1. judoman09

    judoman09 Junior Member

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    I have been given a big light-bar, and thinking to place it up on the roof, with those magnetic no-drill bracket mounts. Perhaps it would have a similar impact as roof racks. Does anyone have a guess or knowledge as to how much it will impact on my fuel economy? (I am mostly highway driving, 80-110 km / hour)
     
    #1 judoman09, Jan 3, 2023
  2. Grit

    Grit Senior Member

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    Without actual dimensions and angle placement, Average Loss of 3.28 mpg per tank.
     
    #2 Grit, Jan 3, 2023
  3. NatefromRI

    NatefromRI New Member

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    Without sounding arrogant, what would be the use case for a light-bar on the roof of a Prius? I could see putting it on a 4X4 or something. Maybe a camping site? Just wondering.
     
    #3 NatefromRI, Jan 12, 2023
  4. Lightning Racer

    Lightning Racer Active Member

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    Not the OP, but probably to see 'roos before crashing into them? I totaled my 2010 Prius crashing into caribou at night.
     
    #4 Lightning Racer, Jan 12, 2023
    fuzzy1 likes this.
  5. fuzzy1

    fuzzy1 Senior Member

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    I was thinking of being able to see kangaroos about to cross rural Australian highways, within collision range.

    You did notice that OP is not in the U.S.? While using those light bars is illegal on U.S. highways, OZ's regulations are very likely different.
     
    #5 fuzzy1, Jan 12, 2023
  6. NatefromRI

    NatefromRI New Member

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    I did NOT notice, but was just curious. That sounds like a great idea!
     
    #6 NatefromRI, Jan 12, 2023
  7. Paladain55

    Paladain55 Active Member

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    I had the round bar Yakima rack on my prius for a while but it was around a 10% hit and it was wind noisy so I took it off.
     
    #7 Paladain55, Mar 12, 2023
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