35,000 Mile Road Trip - Want to do some small mods

[UltArc]

If you only run with a parachute, you won't know the difference without it.

If you run 35k with a parachute, you will spend a lot more energy- but not know the difference. As mentioned, it will make a serious difference. Adding so much frontal area while screwing up the already lacking aero shape will 100%, guarantee poorer results than stock, while the rear trailer hitch will help fill in the void at the rear without doing a boat tail, help spread the weight distribution, and not negatively influence MPG.

But, again, if I only ever pushed a car up hill, I'd never know how much easier it is to push it down hill- so your choice is yours, and you may not regret it, but if you do ABA testing you will see the difference.

[redpoint5]

Originally Posted by johnny_261

Also, one of the questions in the original post was should I remove the rear spoiler? Thoughts on this?

Again, thanks for the input. Getting so excited to hit the road.

Thanks for filling in more of the details.

The spoiler is likely improving your aero just slightly, while keeping the rear window a little more clear. I'd keep it.

If you already have the roof mounted rack and rails, then I'd just go with it, and see about making a small mod to make it more streamlined towards the rear. Your concerns about access to the rear, and having to add a hitch are well founded.

All that said, I still encourage a different vehicle. A minivan would make the trip very comfortable while returning respectable mpg. The Honda Odyssey is EPA rated 28mpg highway, and the Prius v has 50% more cargo space than a standard Prius and gets 40mpg highway.

Your low mile car will not be low mile after this trip. You might as well sell it at a premium considering the great shape and low miles, and buy a reliable, but higher mileage car. The road trip should be easy miles for the engine, even though you are traveling a great distance. The problem is, nobody will care how easy the miles were when you go to sell. Might as well get a car that already has more miles, but is in great shape.

Alright, I'm not going to convince you, so I'll drop the subject. I mostly wanted to throw this out there for others that are reading.

[johnny_261]

Alright, I think I've decided on the setup. I will go with the cargo hitch idea. But, I will leave the roof rack in place. When we are setting up to camp out, I will strap the cargo bins to the roof rack and that will leave us with access to the rear hatch, so we can go in and out of the car easily.

So new question - do you think I should build an air deflector for the roof rack?

Also, regarding the covered rear fender skirts, how low should they go. If I make them along the same plane as the body, the only cover like 1/2 the wheel. Is there benefit to making them below the body line?

Now that this part is getting figured out, I need to start designing a sleeping platform...So many options for this one...

[UltArc]

If I were doing it, I would build the platform higher up. This will make sure it is flat, if there are bumps/dips in the floor, rather than lumpy. I would leave just enough space to comfortably roll over without hitting the ceiling- maximizing cargo space.

But that's me, your wants/needs/confidence in crafting will dictate your project.

[johnny_261]

A few updates. Purchased a Cargo Hitch and Carrier...waiting for them to arrive to install them.

Started working on the sleeping platform. Made a simple one using wood and some steel.

Also any input on whether I should build an air deflector for the roof rack? It doesn't seem particularly un-aerodynamic to not have one...but I'm definitely a newbie to the subject.

[johnny_261]

Picture of the sleeping platform

[UltArc]

Looking good, sir. Did you do anything to block the windows so creepers aren't peeping?

[Frank Lee]

I made cardboard window blockers for every window on Moon Unit when I camped in it. The windshield got a 2-piece blocker for easier install. The rest enjoy a "snap fit".

[johnny_261]

I'm going to get my wife to make something since she can sew. If I can find some of that shiny material that is used on Windshield Sun Visors we will use that. Otherwise, she will just sew something out of cloth.

We were thinking of securing using velcro, since there are plastic pillars around each window to adhere the velcro to. That should make it easy to take on and off quickly.

[Mista Bone]

12v power computer fans in the rear side windows with rain guards to prevent condensation build up while sleeping.

Planning on making my 2001 CRV gas guzzler into a camping setup.

The above setup will need support in the middle. you can also design the platform so the front flips up after the front seats are folded forward.

http://www.hondasuv.com/members/showthread.php?t=50035