Roof rack or no roof rack, that's my question

[Kyle is raaddd]

here is LOZA's

Originally Posted by LOZA

Thanks man. I plan on fixing that hole so i can roll without the front liscence plate. I havnt posted pics in a while, so here are some pics of my ride as it stands now. Enjoy

[mikow]

YAKIMA!!!!!!!!!!!!! haha.. i have one!

[Slovenian6474]

Loza's certainly looks pretty good. i was going to take my yakima off the saturn today but we have tornado watches out around here.

So one person says it doesn't change mileage much and another says it does.

[SmartSizer]

I just got the Thule rack system last week, with a wind deflector, and a "Sidekick" luggage box.

I made a 800-mile round trip over the weekend.

I've averaged over 40 MPG on the same trip before.

This time - I had probably an additional 100 lbs, and of course the racks and box.

I observed ~ 25% hit in fuel economy. I averaged 30 MPG. The additional drag the box on top creates is really taxing at highway speeds. I kept it at 70 MPH most of the time. I estimate my total cargo (people, dogs, luggage) was 725 lbs.

I have taken the box off - and just have the racks - so I'll update on that in about a week. I average 38 MPG on my weekly work commute without the racks.

[SmartSizer]

Let me add:

The racks REALLY add to the look of the car. I usually don't like anything aftermarket on a car - but I'm surprised at how much the racks add to the car as far as looks go. I get a lot more looks too - especially from other Fit drivers!

[Slovenian6474]

Originally Posted by SmartSizer

I just got the Thule rack system last week, with a wind deflector, and a "Sidekick" luggage box.

I made a 800-mile round trip over the weekend.

I've averaged over 40 MPG on the same trip before.

This time - I had probably an additional 100 lbs, and of course the racks and box.

I observed ~ 25% hit in fuel economy. I averaged 30 MPG. The additional drag the box on top creates is really taxing at highway speeds. I kept it at 70 MPH most of the time. I estimate my total cargo (people, dogs, luggage) was 725 lbs.

I have taken the box off - and just have the racks - so I'll update on that in about a week. I average 38 MPG on my weekly work commute without the racks.

Thanks! That's some good info. I went on trips before with the saturn and got 25mpg with 4 kayaks on top. 30mpg fully loaded doesn't sound bad. How'd that effect your driving?

[Kyle is raaddd]

30 doesn't sound bad,
but compared to 40....
haha jk.
all the weight has to have something to do with it also

[greekdaddy000]

i'd just put your stuff in the back...plenty fits back there

[Slovenian6474]

Originally Posted by kyle.

30 doesn't sound bad,
but compared to 40....
haha jk.
all the weight has to have something to do with it also

30mpg full-loaded sounds great. 30mpg unloaded is bad. A Fit with a roof rack can probably rival some SUV's for cargo space (as long as the suv doesn't have a rack ) and get 30mpg vs 17mpg.

[SmartSizer]

The car handled well - definately not it's normal light self, but did not feel unstable. The rear-suspension felt saggy - and I got a little bounce out of it. I would not recommend the Fit if you plan to travel often this way. For me it's a once-in-a-great-while trip.

[SmartSizer]

I had a 100lb. Golden Retreiver back there - luggage was up top...

Loadout was: 3 adults, 1 child, 1 infant (baby seat) 2 dogs, and 4-days worth of luggage, dog food, dog bowls, toys, etc. 2nd dog was a Shitzhu - sat in the back part of the way, and on the front passenger floor board for part.

Had a dual-screen DVD-player going too! (For the kids)

[SmartSizer]

Believe it or not - I had probably 650 or more pounds in the car when I made the 40+mpg before. The rolling resistance from the weight doesn't compare to the wind resistance of that box.

[Slovenian6474]

wow that's impressive! I don't have anything quite that bold in mind. Worst i'd throw is 4 kayaks and 3-4 people. That would be rare too. Usual would be 2 people + 2 boats or bikes.

[Kyle is raaddd]

Originally Posted by Slovenian6474

30mpg full-loaded sounds great. 30mpg unloaded is bad. A Fit with a roof rack can probably rival some SUV's for cargo space (as long as the suv doesn't have a rack ) and get 30mpg vs 17mpg.

very true.
17?
my friends rx-8 gets 17!
noww, my friends hummer gets 13 haha
so bad compared to a fit!
i love it

[solbrothers]

my parents get *at best* 9mpg in their jeep wrangler. FTL!

[Kyle is raaddd]

ouch,
hows it feel to quadruple their mileage?
in a way cooler looking car?

[solbrothers]

Originally Posted by kyle.

ouch,
hows it feel to quadruple their mileage?
in a way cooler looking car?

if the family ever goes somewhere, even though we will all fit in MY car, they insist on taking the jeep. they are retarded

[Slovenian6474]

9mpg!? That sucks. I didn't like my friend's Element because of the gas mileage and it got 24mpg (w/ AWD).

Well, I just ordered the Q clips, so whenever this storm passes (and the river level goes down enough to get me out of the kayak) I'll take the yakima off my other car and hopefully gets some pics this weekend.

[p nut]

I have a Tacoma for my mtn bike/ski duties, but if I only had the Fit to drive around, I'd get a rack for sure. I'm guessing you'd take about a 2-3 MPG hit with just the rack. However, if you're not going to use the rack that often, I'd take it off and reinstall when you're ready for the trip (I've never owned a rack before, so I don't know if this is a big deal or not). I'd much prefer the roof rack to the hitch rack, as it is way more versitile. Saw some chick last night with 2 kayaks on her Fit. The kayaks looked bigger than the car!

[Slovenian6474]

Ya i'm feeling like i need that rack on it. I did go kayaking today and actually fit the kayak inside the fit without even putting the front seat down! On top would be much nicer. Plus I pulled a 39.8mpg today so if i take a 3mpg hit off that, i'm still sitting pretty nice at 35-36.