With people looking to save money and environmental ethics kicking in, many are switching to smaller, more fuel-efficient cars. But when you want to take a trip or enjoy the great outdoors, where do you put all the gear in a compact car? Here are some tips from years of road trips and outdoor adventures.
Having owned and driven a compact car, I’ve never been a big fan of roof mounted roof racks like hoods and racks, why?
1. Aerodynamics: There is significant drag when using a roof rack (average loss is 6 MPG). Data: Consumer Reports and Edmunds. When you mount the kit to the roof, it robs you of power, mileage, and creates additional drag.
2. Roof clearance: If you’re not paying attention, you can crush your gear and roof box or roof rack.
3. Carrying: After a good camping trip, long hike, or other, do you really want to lift a bunch of heavy gear over your head and put it on a rack or box?
4. Storage: Where do you keep all the rails and the big roof box when you’re done? Those big boxes take up a lot of space in the garage or closet.
5. They’ll set you back: The entire box and rail system can cost anywhere from $650 to $850 or more.
A new alternative for carrying gear in compact cars and SUVs is rear-mounted roof racks. They mount behind the vehicle, are easy to put on and take off, save fuel, load on the ground and fold down to the size of a briefcase.
- They are installed out of the wind stream and virtually eliminate aerodynamic drag, saving fuel.
- Rear mounting eliminates roof clearance issues.
- Do not lift or climb on the roof to load or unload the equipment.
- They fold down to the size of a briefcase and can be stored inside your trunk.
- They are a fraction of the cost of a complete roof box system.
If you have a compact vehicle and need more space, a rear-mounted roof rack is a great solution.