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Crazy mpg hit with cargo box

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Main Forum' started by MattyD., Mar 24, 2021.

  1. PriusCamper

    PriusCamper Senior Member

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    Sorry you don't understand how we work together to learn new things on here. But to address your problem I'll click the ignore button on your profile so I never see or comment on you again. Hope that helps you with your predicament.
     
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  2. PaulDM

    PaulDM Active Member

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    That’s fair I hope the moderators review your posts on dangerous and illegal mods
     
  3. Tideland Prius

    Tideland Prius Moderator of the North
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    Never. It's always been inside the vehicle (so usually a minivan, wagon, hatch or SUV. Sometimes a sedan if the trunk is large enough or they'll tie the trunk lid down).

    But yet you're not open to his ideas.

    Mobility ramps are different from hitches. Here, there are vehicles modified to include ramps for wheelchairs or chairs that swivel out to the side of the car for someone to move from a wheelchair to a car seat. Sometimes, it's the driver's seat, sometimes, it's the front passenger or the rear 2nd row (for minivans).
     
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  4. Tideland Prius

    Tideland Prius Moderator of the North
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    Unfortunately, in the US, there isn't a strong regulatory board like there is in some European countries. There definitely isn't any annual checks for vehicle safety (most annual checks are for emissions).

    That said, there are hitches available aftermarket but not for towing. They're simply for mounting bicycles (or even a small "tray").

    That said, I don't understand the issue of adding a hitch, even though it's the same vehicle. While there is a possibility there may be changes between the European-spec and the US-spec vehicle (different coolant or oils or perhaps something to do with the frame), it's more likely than not, the same vehicle. There's definitely a potential for braking issues (maybe the Euro-spec cars have grippier brake pads than the US version) but small hitches usually don't pose a problem as long as the vehicle payload capacity is not exceeded.

    This is the type of rack I'm thinking of

    https://www.canadiantire.ca/en/pdp/folding-hitch-mounted-cargo-carrier-3995291p.3995291.html


    Basically what I'm saying is that you guys have to realise you're in two different countries with different regulations.
     
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  5. Donttjudgemee

    Donttjudgemee New Member

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    I thought you couldn’t add it because it’s bad for the car. Not because of laws
     
  6. fuzzy1

    fuzzy1 Senior Member

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    We've seen this in prior threads. U.S. regulations and insurance are vastly more lenient on modifications, tire changes, etc., than are the equivalent UK rules. Almost to the point of being non-existent.
    At "closed minded", he is only barely started. Just wait until he start rage-posting and calling you a troll for fact-checking him.

    Getting put on his Ignore list is a blessing.
     
    #46 fuzzy1, Mar 31, 2021
    Last edited: Mar 31, 2021
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  7. PriusCamper

    PriusCamper Senior Member

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    What's bad/unsafe for a car has to do with the intelligence and experience of the owner. There's a broad spectrum of opinions when it comes to this. On both extremes of this spectrum there's lots of dumb opinions from vehicle owners with not enough experience to know better. Between these two extremes is where you'll find the best information about how to take care of your car when it comes to hauling stuff.
     
    #47 PriusCamper, Apr 1, 2021
    Last edited: Apr 1, 2021
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  8. Mikhail Bond

    Mikhail Bond Member

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    Man, you should have seen my rear mounted gas tank for extra mileage!
     
  9. PaulDM

    PaulDM Active Member

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    Lol on a Prime ?

    lookup “Darwin Awards” you may find it amusing.
     
  10. Mikhail Bond

    Mikhail Bond Member

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    I mean the same could be said to the person rear ending someone.

    That point being made, see pics below of common hitches and mounts of jerry cans in the US.
    IMG_0284.JPG
    HitchGate.jpeg
    matt703.jpeg
    UNI-DJC_3.jpeg


    Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.
     
  11. PaulDM

    PaulDM Active Member

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  12. PriusCamper

    PriusCamper Senior Member

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    Lol, what could possibly go wrong? I mean it's not like you're mounting two 50 gallon barrels on the rear hatch for extra gas storage like they did in Road Warrior movies. :)
     
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  13. gboss

    gboss Member

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    Does any use just a cargo box on a trailer hitch instead of the roof? Curious what the mpg hit is, if any, with a cargo box on the back instead of a roof rack.
     
  14. Another

    Another Senior Member

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    See 2-3/4 cu. ft. Steel Trailer Tongue Box
     
  15. gboss

    gboss Member

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  16. Another

    Another Senior Member

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    No, I just saw it and a few others online. Seem like there are many and some reviews
     
  17. ColoradoCrow

    ColoradoCrow Active Member

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    Hi. I have a hitch and a roof box and a bunch of Thule bike, kayak, mounts. I have used the hitch and a tray to carry 1/2 a butchered cow in coolers 600 miles once a year. Also once a year we take a 600 mile trip and I use the roof top box. The MPG hit is about 10 mpg less. If I slow down to 55mph. The MPG hit is 4 mpg. But I only do it once a year so I don’t care about the MPG. My time driving for 9 hours is more important then the $25 bucks I’ll save by driving slower. Unless your using the rack all the time. Don’t worry about it.
     
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  18. Kaptainkid1

    Kaptainkid1 Active Member

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    I have a thule box and it's extra large model. I loose about 8 miles driving at 65 with the roof box. So mpg is 36-37. I think the more expensive boxes are build better and take account for more aerodynamics. 20210624_142726.jpg 20200920_173936.jpg 20200920_173945.jpg

    SM-A526U ?