Fuel Economy-Wind resistance vs drag resistance

hahahahaha......I have BOTH (aren't I a silly bugga!!!!).

This topic has been mentioned before and there is no right or wrong answer. It all depends on speed and terrain (plus other things too i guess).

If you're in the high country, then dragging a trailer is gunna hurt your economy the most. If you're going flat out (say 110k/h) along a flat highway, then the roof rack with all the gear is gunna be like trying to drive a block of flats. However, I reckon studies have been done that show the effect of a roof rack is negligible under about 60k/h.

Soooooo; if you were prepared to daudle along at 60k/h with a roof rack, you'd probably save some $$$$.

In the end, I believe it's a case of just grinning and bearing the cost at the bowser, to pay for whatever set-up you deem is necessary for your own family's camping and travelling needs. The overall difference is not going to amount to a huge sum of cash in all liklihood.

Cheers

Roachie

In terms of fuel economy , the roof rack will win over the trailer , as trailer provides rolling resistance as well as its own wind resistance.

In terms of practicality - this is more up to what you wish to do.

We try to avoid trailers because they limit the places you can go to (rough 4wd tracks)

Robin Miller

Rolling resistance is low and the trailer is sheltered by being lower then the tow vehicle so I would strongly sugest that the trailer is the best option. As has already been noted the faster you go the more resistance builds on the very un-aerodynamic load on the roof. If you often travel a route that has a good long hill you can test it by taking your foot off the acelerator and seeing what speed you coast at with the trailer, try again without and again with a loaded roofrack.

What Roachie said,

"I believe it's a case of just grinning and bearing the cost at the bowser, to pay for whatever set-up you deem is necessary for your own family's camping and travelling needs"!

DJ,

At highway speeds, I get the same fuel economy with a loaded full length roof rack as I do when I tow my Kimberley Kamper.

Cheers
Stephen J.

I did my own little test a while ago

GQ Nissan 4.2 diesel non turbo with 3/4 roof rack, set back.

Without Roof Rack on non windy day 11l/100km

With roofrack on non windy day 12.5l/100km

With roof rack and trailer in tow on non windy day 15l/100km(average)

With roof rack and trailer in tow into the wind 20l+/100km

I have gone the trailer way to stop having to reach up on to the roof for stuff. In varialby one stick heavier things up there. Am hoping to get rid of the rack all together one day :-)

Cheers