Yakima Loadwarrior - Effect on MPG?

IrishCannon

IrishCannon

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I wanted one of these for an upcoming trip, but I'm reading the effect on MPG is drastic even with an empty basket. Can you all provide some insight for me? Is it even worth it? I can probably find somewhere else to keep the stuff even if it means renting an enclosed trailer for 1/4th the cost.
 
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We put a similar basket on my wife’s 4Runner and noticed about 1-2mpg hit on highway.

I’ve seen people do tests of roof top tents effecting mpg and they are significant.
 
It won't be a huge loss. I'd guess 5-10% or less as long as it has the front fairing. Towing an enclosed trailer will be much greater.

Editted to add: We see around a 2 MPG drop adding a big rooftop box on my wifes Sequoia on road trips. She only sees around 15mpg around town and that is about what we get on road trips with the box on top cruising the interstate. I average a little over 20mpg with my Tacoma and that will drop to 13 or 14 pulling my 6x10 enclosed trailer or 15 -16 pulling the 6-12 open trailer with not much load.
 
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I've seen some reports of people with SUVs saying this dropped it about 5MPG empty and 8MPG full. - I understand a trailer isn't good either, but it's kind of a one and done expense. If I can't just leave this on and use it regularly I don't see a point investing in one.

2 MPG would be okay with me, but anymore is pretty significant at today's gas prices. This would eventually go on my car which requires premium and that doesn't sound enticing.
 
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The MPG hit for the rack will be the same or less than a trailer. Plus, you need to factor tolls and think about parking when trailering.
 
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I ended up going with this one: XCAR 64"x23"x6" Car Roof Rack Cargo Carrier Rooftop Basket Luggage for Traveling Black https://a.co/d/7NsIoQm

It's a knockoff of the Yakima SkinnyWarrior, with an extra 9" in length. The reviews seemed very good overall, with most complaints being the finish. I'm going to see how it works out and if I like it I'll just refinish it with some rust inhibitor spray and seal any spots with silicone that would require it. - I separately purchased the Yakima SkinnyWarrior cargo net for it.

I like the fact it's longer but narrow which will allow me to maintain the bike rack where it is on the driver side.
 
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What vehicle you put this on?

Was thinking of sticking a basket on my Outback. Maybe with a light or two.
 
NKD said:
What vehicle you put this on?

Was thinking of sticking a basket on my Outback. Maybe with a light or two.
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It's going on a small wagon but I may at times put it on the wife's minivan. It seems pretty versatile. I really would prefer the Yak SkinnyWarrior but IDK if triple the price is worth it. Who knows. If I really like how this one works then I may get the Yak. I did buy the Yak cargo net for the Skinny to go with it.

Look into the OffGrid rack by Yak, the LoadWarrior or the SkinnyWarrior if you want to be able to have a bike rack or kayak rack on the side.
 
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A wind deflector “extension” can cut a nice chunk of that drag. A simple piece of light sheet metal cut to the inside dimensions of the rack and rolled to create a nice arch. It’s front lip slips in behind the tiny wind deflector on the rack and runs on the top of the cargo. It’s simple to secure with tie downs or bungees or full on bolted on. I’ve even seen people cut one of the old oblong Direct TV dishes in half a turn it around to make one.



ETA … the a bolt on extension something like this to move the air over the load more effectively …

61E2C9CD-849F-4F1B-8DD3-6B4ED62C686F.jpeg
 
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