Cargo transporters: solutions for compact cars
With people seeking to economize and environmental ethics kicking in, many are moving toward smaller, more fuel-efficient cars. But when you want to take a trip or enjoy the great outdoors, where do you put all your gear in a compact car? Here are some tips from years of road trips and outdoor adventures.
Having owned and driven a compact car, I have never been a big fan of roof-mounted luggage racks such as roof boxes and luggage racks, why?
1. Aerodynamics: There is significant drag when using a roof rack (average loss is 6 MPG). Data: Consumer Reports and Edmunds. When you mount the equipment on the roof, you reduce power, mileage and create additional resistance.
2. Roof Clearance – If you are not paying attention, you can crush the equipment and the roof box or rack.
3. Carrying – After a good camping trip, long hike, or other, do you really want to lift a bunch of heavy gear overhead and overhead on a shelf or box?
4. Storage: Where do you keep all the rails and the large roof box when they are done? Those big boxes take up a lot of space in your garage or closet.
5. They will set you back: The entire box and rail system can cost $ 650- $ 850 or more.
A new alternative for carrying equipment in compact cars and SUVs is rear-mounted cargo carriers. They mount behind the vehicle, are easy to put on and take off, save fuel, load on the ground and fold down to the size of a briefcase.
- They are installed out of the wind stream and virtually eliminate aerodynamic drag, saving fuel.
- Rear mounting eliminates roof clearance problems.
- It is not allowed to climb or climb the roof to load or unload the equipment.
- They fold to the size of a briefcase and can be stored inside your trunk.
- They are a fraction of the cost of a full roof box system.
If you have a compact vehicle and need more space, a rear-mounted rack is an excellent solution.