Dump the racks?

[MOAK]

Good morning all. been quite some time since I've posted, but now I have a serious question. Since we built our excursion trailer, we no longer use the warrior expedition racks to haul anything, they make a really cool off road lighting rack, thats about it. I'm currently getting 14 to 15 MPG, pulling the trailer loaded with all our gear. If I remove those "warrior" expedition racks, I know I'm saving about 75 lbs of weight, but how much fuel will i save? I've read anywhere from less than 1%, up to 15%. Any one out there have any first hand experience with this. I don't want to take them off, then buy a winch hoop to move my lighting up front, unless it's a real cost benefit. Thanks for any opinion or info !!

 

[MuleShoer]

When I installed my rack (wildboar) I lost 3 MPG. I like you had a trailer and stopped using the rack. So I removed it oddly my MPG only improved slightly but when I don't tow the MPG is now back to before the rack.

 

[PNWINFERNOPRO]

I am real close to ordering a Wild Boar Fastback Rack. Now I am pretty concerned about the MPG loss. Have to rethink this.

 

[MOAK]

Hmmm... I'm still undecided, only a slight difference when dragging a trailer? A slight difference may equate to only $80 or $90 saved in fuel on a Moab trip.... My wife says leave'm on, it just wouldn't be "us" without them.. Hmmm.. I thinks she's gonna make the find of the century in some old antique shop, and whatever it is, on the rack it wil go..

 

[Topgun514]

I have an ARB rack. I couldnt tell the difference with it on or off.

 

[PNWINFERNOPRO]

Just talked to Paul at Wild Boar. He confirmed that 2-3 MPG loss is about average with any non-hardtop mounted rack. That sucks. Have to do some thinking now.

 

[MuleShoer]

I believe the problem is because their rack sits high and forward of the roof. With a little work you can lower the rack 2-3 inches. And set it back a few. This would help quite a bit to lower the amount of drag. Also with the wild boar set up you can remove the basket. Takes. About 5 minute's. If you were closer I would sell you mine its been sitting in the barn for a year
Pete

Just talked to Paul at Wild Boar. He confirmed that 2-3 MPG loss is about average with any non-hardtop mounted rack. That sucks. Have to do some thinking now.

 

[PNWINFERNOPRO]

I did have the plan to lower the mounting to just above my ORH top. Wish you were closer.

 

[jeep-N-montero]

Unless you plan to connect an awning to the rack I would just remove it, you may even be able to sell it to cover gas for part of the trip. Ever since I built my trailer I haven't used the rack either and it just increases wind noise, so it's coming off soon. Plus with the Jeep so high it can no longer be loaded from the ground and it's a pain to use it.