Newbie - learning from others

[mikel09]

I am mikel09 and am interested in mpg and fuel economy. Things like tune ups, driving conservatively, aerodynamics, things with a large ROI. The tips, threads and data are interesting.

On our long 2000 mile family trips we would use a roof top carrier, the impact on mileage was significant and it was a pain to use.

Since then, I have been on a quest to develop an aerodynamic carrier, that fits behind the car and improves air flow. Cargo carrier + aero configuration + easy to use + fit most vehicles = AeroPACKusa

Thanks for all your insights.

[Daox]

Welcome to the site mikel09.

If you are here for ROI you'll definitely want to look at the 100+ hypermiling tips first. That'll be your biggest gain area. Mods, unless you have materials laying around cost money and the ROI (especially now with low gas prices) are going to be fairly long. However, there are a few simple things that you can do for low prices that would probably help. A grill block comes immediately to mind.

[mikel09]

Thanks for the pointer to 100+ Hypermiling Tips. That is a very good list, I read through all 100 and employ most of the no cost tips. Many small behavior changes can add up and make a difference.

Thanks.

[Bicycle Bob]

Adding any substantial cargo behind a car would really upset the balance and handling. However, an aerodynamic trailer forming a long, tapered tail can halve the cd. The fairing to the car could be done using overlapping panels to get basic adjustability and flexibility. The car would probably need to have a transition piece to start the fairing, as well as the trailer hitch.

[mikel09]

Trailers have other issues, turning length, driveablity, passing space etc. My experience with ~100 lbs of gear, an AeroPACK securely strapped to the lift gate has no impact to vehicle dynamics.

Hitch mount carriers, cantilever weight 2-3 feet from the bumper, wobble, sway and bounce making the ride more 'lively'. And make parking a challenge.