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Old 06-02-2014, 02:07 PM   #14 (permalink)
sarguy01
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Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Virginia Beach
Posts: 468

Mazda5 - '12 Mazda 5
90 day: 25.22 mpg (US)

Big D - '11 Dodge Durango Crew
90 day: 18.75 mpg (US)
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Quote:
I just added a roof rack to my 2010 prius
as well as a Thule Weekender

I figure the roof rack is worth about -1 or 2 mpg on open highway
an the roof box is worth about -4 to 5 mpg
(but it wont be on my car all the time)

mine is similar to this
*** Thule cargo box ***

what is your local craigslist?



I'd suggest a full roofrack kit (about $500 new)
Thule or Yakima are both great products




I'd suggest spending no more than necessary for a super smooth looking one since it's just gonna be for occasional use

good luck
Quote:
Originally Posted by KrautBurner View Post
SportRack is made by Thule
and it's about 2/3 the price

SR1010 Complete Roof Rack System | SportRack US ($189)
Vista XL | SportRack US ($279)

if you are a costco member,
they sell them thru the costco.com website
I borrowed my sister's roof bag and drove home from NJ with it. I got 29 mpg that tank, which is the same I would have got without the bag on top. But, even if I did lose 4-5 mpg, it would leave me at 24ish mpg. Not too considering the only vehicles that can fit the luggage and dogs inside (Suburban, Tahoe, Durango, Excursion, etc) would get much less than that, aside from other minivans. But, most minivans aren't going to touch 30 mpg like our Mazda5 can. This box is only going to be mounted for road trips.

Thanks for the links. The sportrack.com website is about what I am looking for. Nothing too over the top, just something that works. I don't need a super-aero composite rack and box.

I am still looking into bags as well. Amazon has a few with really good reviews for under $100. If it lasts two years and I have to get another one that will last two more years, I am still well under the cost of a rack and box.

Oh, and there are a few name brand, good condition boxes on CL around here for under $150. I will definitely look into them.
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