Do cargo cross bars decrease range?

[SwampNut]

I recently did a test with them on then off, on a round trip. It made a pretty significant difference, however, it's also possible that the trip itself caused it. Meaning wind, elevation changes, whatever. So I documented it, and the next time I do the same trip, I will reverse the directions where I have the bars on/off. I do this same route every four weeks, at the same time of day, so it should be a decent comparison.

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[Noplacelikeloam]

short answer - no

 

[R2dreamer]

Guess I'll find out for myself in about 2 months or so as I buy a set so I can mount the SunGo Rooftop folding solar charger in about 6 months or so...

Link please?

 

[dmc94]

Thanks for the insights. I do like the look so I will probs put them on for daily drive and remove them for trips, mostly to reduce noise.

This is the way. (or just leave them off until you need them, although they look cool)

 

[Tarkus]

Link please?

Here Ya Go...

https://gosun.co/pages/ev-solar-charger?view=sl-B66A0018

 

[usulio]

On our R1S it is about a 7 mile hit on a full charge to have the cross bars and our roof box on for all highway 70+mph driving. Less than 1 mile for just roof bars.

What box?

Drag coefficient is a number calculated by the drag being created, is that not similar to comparing a pound of steel to a pound of feathers? It seems you are suggesting the drag coefficient is based on something other than the number. I have never heard that and understood it to be a more like a level of effort to displace whatever fluid, in the case of a vehicle that would be air. Outside of the drag coefficient there are other things determining efficiency like vehicle weight, tire resistance, and mechanical efficiency but the drag rating should be a direct comparison to other vehicle ratings.

Drag coefficient is purely based on the shape but not the size. If you used a shrink ray to make the R1S half the size, it would still have the same drag coefficient. But it would experience half as much air resistance, which is drag coefficient times size.

 

[RIV206]

The extra noise alone, I'd remove

 

[MannyMan]

I found the reduction in range with the CB to be pretty significant. I can never get over 1.9mi/kWh with the crossbars. Without them, I can get 2-2.10mi/kWh going the same speed on the same road at the same direction(75mph).
Also, the wind noise when they're up on the roof is horrible, you can really hear the resistance ...

 

[SANZC02]

Thanks to the people responding to me. It caused me to do a little research, here is a basic article discussing drag and its effect on fuel economy. This gives me a better understanding of how drag coefficient impacts efficiency, it is always good to remember one is never too old to learn new things.

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