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Bumpshox & MPG

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Accessories and Modifications' started by Byron_, Aug 24, 2011.

  1. Byron_

    Byron_ New Member

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    I'm taking delivery of my 2011 Prius 3 this evening. I'll be street parking my Prius in Brooklyn so I need protection on my bumpers to keep the dings to a minimum (if that's even possible.) I picked up a Bumper Bully for the back bumper and even though the look of the BumpShox makes me sick at my stomach I bought one with the idea that I could return it if I didn't like it. If you've ever seen how people park in NYC you'll understand why I'm considering it.

    Exterior aesthetics aside.... I know that the shape/design of the Prius helps it get such good fuel mileage. It seems likely that installing the BumpShox on a Prius would have a negative impact on fuel mileage, right? Anyone care to guess how much of an impact it might have?
     
    #1 Byron_, Aug 24, 2011
  2. txl146

    txl146 Member

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    Funny how I was thinking about the same thing last night. Since area within the frame is pretty small, I think effect it has on MPG is negligible.
     
    #2 txl146, Aug 26, 2011
  3. JimboPalmer

    JimboPalmer Tsar of all the Rushers

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    I doubt it has any measurable effect on MPG, it won't make it weigh more, it does not mess with the drive train, it does not increase the cross section, it may not change the Cd, etc.
    (It mat not protect anything, either, but that is separate)
     
    #3 JimboPalmer, Aug 26, 2011
  4. 32kcolors

    32kcolors Senior Member

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    The effect is probably equivalent to another license plate holder on top of the existing one, and most of us don't worry about our license plate holder.

    Speaking of which, the license plate holder has saved my car once from getting front-ended while parked. I returned to my car to find a corner of my license plate and its frame bent, which I was able to straighten. So I think just having the standard license plate holder is good enough of a protection, but even the bumpshox won't protect you from getting dings at the bumper corners or if the other car/truck sits significantly higher than the Prius.
     
    #4 32kcolors, Aug 27, 2011
  5. Byron_

    Byron_ New Member

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    Ok, I guess I'll leave it on and see how it goes.

    My front plate holder only allows screws on the top. There aren't any threaded holes for the bottom screws. Is that normal?
     
    #5 Byron_, Aug 27, 2011
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