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2010 Prius Solar Roof Help with Roof Rack

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Accessories and Modifications' started by michaellam510, Mar 11, 2013.

  1. michaellam510

    michaellam510 Junior Member

    Joined:
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    2010 Prius
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    Four

    Can someone please give me some assistance; I have a 2010 Prius VI with solar roof and still decided on a Thule/Yakima rack for my Thule cargo box? What is the average miles do you get after with a rack and cargo box? Is it worth getting a rack or just spend the money and take a SUV for a long trip? Still dispute to drives around 2,500 miles this summer for family vacation and if I should spend $400 on a rack or spend the money on the gas and take my wife Lexus 4x4 SUV instead?
    Also why you get less MPG in the winter time on a full tank gas fill-up? Only getting 420 total miles compare to 500 before. Thanks for everyone help in advance..
     
    #1 michaellam510, Mar 11, 2013
  2. Bill Norton

    Bill Norton Senior Member

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    In the winter the air is more dense, every lubricant in the house is more dense and the car runs a richer fuel mixture during warm ups. A block heater helps with the fuel economy, engine life and you sitting in a car with 'Insta-heat'!

    I have the solar roof but can't comment on using a roof rack,, other than saying it will be a big fuel econo hit.

    Have you considered a trailer hitch and a small cargo trailer? I have the hitch and use if for my bike rack and I wouldn't hesitate to borrow a buddy's trailer when I have to haul furniture and such. I'm watching for motorcycle pop-up camper trailers also !!!
    A small trailer behind the car would be much more efficient than a roof rack, although I have no data to back that up.
    And think about it,, towing a couch on a 400 lb trailer is no different than climbing the Rockies with 4 of your fattest friends and luggage in the car...
     
    #2 Bill Norton, Mar 11, 2013
  3. michaellam510

    michaellam510 Junior Member

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    #3 michaellam510, Mar 11, 2013
  4. michaellam510

    michaellam510 Junior Member

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    Hey bill,
    Whats a good point you have there, it will def slow the car down big time with the cargo and ended up with gas millage as a 4x4 suv. The Suv get about 240 on a 19G tank so driving 2,500 will cost me around $600.

    What is a block heater?

    Thanks
     
    #4 michaellam510, Mar 11, 2013
  5. Bill Norton

    Bill Norton Senior Member

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    It's a ~$45 accessory in the PC SHOP. It takes a little time to install and then you plug your car in at night to have a warm engine waiting in the mornings! I have mine on a timer for a 3-4 hr warm up. It uses 400 watts and is well worth the cost !
     
    #5 Bill Norton, Mar 11, 2013
  6. HI MPG

    HI MPG Active Member

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    Vehicle:
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    Model:
    IV
    I have a '10 IV with the SRP. I went with the Yakima setup (no cargo box) primarily for the cost factor. I only use the rack occasionally and couldn't justify spending the extra money for the Thule setup. If I needed the rack to be mounted semi-permanent, I probably would have paid for the more aero-efficient setup.

    Note that the setup will reduce your MPGs. With the rack in place, I lose anywhere between 6-8 MPGs. There's also a considerable amount of wind noise, even with the deflector in place. And with both setups in place, you'll lose the ability to open your sunroof fully.

    I find that on long road trips with the Prius, loaded up with luggage but without the rack, I'll lose about 3-5 MPGs. So, unscientifically, I would lose 13 MPGs on the high end. I average about 45 MPGs, calculated... so hypothetically I can average at or better than 32 MPGs with luggage and rack in place. Not too sure of any SUVs that can better that efficiency. You'll probably be more "comfortable" and "pampered" in the Lexus SUV though.

    I should also add that I'm not much a hyper-miler. I use the PWR button very liberally.
     
    #6 HI MPG, Mar 11, 2013
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