Roof rack test: quantifying the aero penalty

[Cd]

Ya think these guys noticed any change in MPG and wind noise ?

[lucidexp]

Originally Posted by mikel09

The wrath of roof rack and roofboxes has been independently tested by Edmonds and Consumer Reports. The impact was 17-25% depending on car, speed type of carrier. I have been developing an idea based on shortened boat tail plates tested on semi trailers, integrated in a cargo carrier for suvs, wagons, hatch backs, and sedans.

Essentially a back mounted aerodynamic cargo carrier. It eliminates the ~20% mpg penalty of roof top carriers and has improved mpg 5-10%, in preliminary tests with the boat tail design. We use it for camping, family road trips, ski equipment etc. AeroPACKusa is the product. I would appreciate your comments. Thanks!

I like it. If you ever make anything like that for a surfboard let me know.

Also just brainstorming if you created a quickly removable, easily secured tie-down system and sold it fairly cheap you could make a killing here in Southern California targeting the surfing industry. The current selection of 'inexpensive' racks is not that great at all.

[MetroMPG]

lucidexp: you might be on to something. I remember another EM member way back when who signed up specifically to noodle about a better way to deal with his surfboard roof rack.

Also: I missed it when Mikel09 originally posted, but I think he might have contacted me first to ask if he could mention his product on the forum. (And I said, "sure.")

[lucidexp]

Originally Posted by MetroMPG

lucidexp: you might be on to something. I remember another EM member way back when who signed up specifically to noodle about a better way to deal with his surfboard roof rack.

Also: I missed it when Mikel09 originally posted, but I think he might have contacted me first to ask if he could mention his product on the forum. (And I said, "sure.")

Being a fellow surfer and having my truck die on me I have had to resort to having a car, but dont want to give up surfing because of it.

I have looked around and tried a few but several current version of removable racks are really, really bad. I have seen some flatable roof racks but they sell for around $100 and for that you are better off getting a 'real' rack.

I have the design tools and a degree in architecture, willing to give the design away since I just want a solution.

[mikel09]

Guys this sounds interesting. Are you thinking about a roof mount or back mount surfboard carrier? What are your thoughts on the concept?

Originally Posted by lucidexp

Being a fellow surfer and having my truck die on me I have had to resort to having a car, but dont want to give up surfing because of it.

I have looked around and tried a few but several current version of removable racks are really, really bad. I have seen some flatable roof racks but they sell for around $100 and for that you are better off getting a 'real' rack.

I have the design tools and a degree in architecture, willing to give the design away since I just want a solution.

[MetroMPG]

Originally Posted by lucidexp

I have the design tools and a degree in architecture, willing to give the design away since I just want a solution.

New thread! (Please, if you're going to do it.)