Roof Racks and FE - Toyota Yaris Forums

noraebong · 03-13-2010, 05:35 AM

I am a recent adopter of FE/hypermiling techniques.

I need to expand the storage capacity of my vehicle and am considering a few options. If any of you FE experts out there have experience with the following options I'd appreciate some feedback:

1. I am consindering purchasing a roof bag that doesn't require roof bars versus a rack/box (Roofbag.com). Wonder if it will fit the sedan roof, and whether this might be a better option than a permanently mounted rack as I will only use it as needed. I am sure fuel economy will be awful while it is mounted, but that will be infrequently.

2. May buy a rack: am looking at the Prorack Whispbar from a NZ company..check it out at RackAttack.com...wind tunnel info looks good

3. Might get a tow bar instead, and add a storage platform/box

4. Carrying skis: better in a box, or on the rack accessory ski clamp-carrier things??

5. What is the most areodynamic roof box in your experience/opinion?

6. I read that roof boxes are actually the wrong shape for optimal aerodynamic performace: they should be more bulbous at the front, and slope down from the front to the rear. Would mounting a box backwards, and positioining it further back on a roof rack so that the windshiel deflects some air over the front of the thing, improve aerodynamic performance?

All opinions welcome! Thanks!

03-13-2010, 05:35 AM	#1
noraebong Drives: 207 yaris sedan Join Date: May 2009 Location: Calgary Posts: 21	Roof Racks and FE I am a recent adopter of FE/hypermiling techniques. I need to expand the storage capacity of my vehicle and am considering a few options. If any of you FE experts out there have experience with the following options I'd appreciate some feedback: 1. I am consindering purchasing a roof bag that doesn't require roof bars versus a rack/box (Roofbag.com). Wonder if it will fit the sedan roof, and whether this might be a better option than a permanently mounted rack as I will only use it as needed. I am sure fuel economy will be awful while it is mounted, but that will be infrequently. 2. May buy a rack: am looking at the Prorack Whispbar from a NZ company..check it out at RackAttack.com...wind tunnel info looks good 3. Might get a tow bar instead, and add a storage platform/box 4. Carrying skis: better in a box, or on the rack accessory ski clamp-carrier things?? 5. What is the most areodynamic roof box in your experience/opinion? 6. I read that roof boxes are actually the wrong shape for optimal aerodynamic performace: they should be more bulbous at the front, and slope down from the front to the rear. Would mounting a box backwards, and positioining it further back on a roof rack so that the windshiel deflects some air over the front of the thing, improve aerodynamic performance? All opinions welcome! Thanks!