Car Top Carrier Question

[COcyclist]

Great job quantifying that data for us! I know that careful testing takes time (and gas) so it's not always easy to really spell out the cost savings like you have done.

So what will you do...slow down with no carrier and save $368?

[CROSS CANADA WITH 8]

So what will you do...slow down with no carrier and save $368?

Right now, I am looking at getting a Sport-rack type of device that mounts on the back, but I have to look into the cost of getting a hitch. On a trip that long with 3 daughters who are 16, 18, and 21, and 3 sons (3, 6 & 14), I definitely need the extra space (especially since we are picking up one of them from university enroute). I think I will slow down a little (5 mph), but not 15 mph as that would add 4 days of travel which we can't afford in more ways than one!

[Weather Spotter]

you should be able to find a trailer hitch online for under $200 shipped, installation in very easy. Most new vehicles have the holes there (threaded too), it just requires you to crawl under the car and attach 6 bolts. then you are done. I did this with my Matrix 3 years ago and it took about 10 min.

once you have a hitch get a rear basket thing recommenced by others (or borrow one from a friend). both of these options will pay for them selves in the first tip.

[fidalgoman]

Originally Posted by CROSS CANADA WITH 8

So what will you do...slow down with no carrier and save $368?

Right now, I am looking at getting a Sport-rack type of device that mounts on the back, but I have to look into the cost of getting a hitch.

Just to add a caution. You have stated that your van is already overloaded (sagging) and putting too much weight on the very rear could create a very bad stability problem if a gust of wind hit you or you needed to make a sudded move. I don't think I need to get graphic. Something to think about though.

[MadisonMPG]

Originally Posted by CROSS CANADA WITH 8

So…
- Drive 75 and leave carrier at home: Save $137
- Drive 60 and leave carrier at home: Save $91
- Cut speed from 75 to 70 (w. carrier): Save $104
- Cut speed from 75 to 60 (w. carrier): Save $277
- Cut speed from 75 to 60 (w/out carrier): Save $231
- Cut speed from 75 to 60 and leave carrier: Save $368

I'm confused. What do you mean between these two? (bold ones)

[brucey]

I second the trailer hitch buy/self install.

I've had mine for 2 years and I couldn't live with out it.

Trailers, carriers, tow hooks. It's the ultimate in utility.

[CROSS CANADA WITH 8]

Sorry, I can see how that might not be clear.

The first two show the difference a change in removing the carrier makes assuming I was already going to drive the speed indicated.

The second bold one is the difference in cutting speed alone when I am not taking the carrier anyway.

[DonR]

The guy at work who has a car backpack thinks it is an Aerosoft brand. He mounted it so the bottom sat on the rear bumper, than moved his license plate into the rear window. He said it worked well until the trans went out. He ended up with a bigger van to finish the trip & didn't need the cargo room.

You may want to investigate shipping some of your cargo to destination if possible. This would cut down on drag, weight & passenger complaining.

Don

[MetroMPG]

Thanks for sharing the calculations. The math makes this a compelling argument, especially when you consider the fact that's savings from one trip, and you do it each year.

[Fubeca]

Look around a bit and you might find a deal on a hitch. I found one on the local craigslist for $60 for my sienna. Make sure you buy a tap and run it through the welded nuts on the van body before installing a hitch. They get rusty and can easily cross-thread which is a big problem.

A lot of sienna owners who tow buy rubber air bladders that go inside the rear springs. They can be pumped up and help with excessive sag when loaded. They are pretty cheap and easy to install and might be worth it for this situation - especially if you go with the hitch route.