Roof racks are the detriment to mpg but more so if you leave the cross bars on when not in use (I know removing them on the RL can be a bit of a pain vs some other manufacturers designs)...I've seen documentation on hwy mpg effect of anywhere from 1-2 mpg less with the cross bars installed (plus the potential for wind noise and whistle)...Looks like the perfect thing to have to replace after driving through deep snow. But I agree, a small investment if it could potentially save mpg.
IMHO - I bet I'd get better mpg just by removing my roof rack and running boards.
The whistle and wind noise are largely due to improper installation.Roof racks are the detriment to mpg but more so if you leave the cross bars on when not in use (I know removing them on the RL can be a bit of a pain vs some other manufacturers designs)...I've seen documentation on hwy mpg effect of anywhere from 1-2 mpg less with the cross bars installed (plus the potential for wind noise and whistle)...
I don't think the running boards or steps have much effect (ESPECIALLY if you put on the strakes and deflect the air around them!)
You should see how a refrigerator drops the mpg... We went 16 miles and dropped from 22.9 to 20.8 according to the mileage meter.Roof racks are the detriment to mpg but more so if you leave the cross bars on when not in use (I know removing them on the RL can be a bit of a pain vs some other manufacturers designs)...I've seen documentation on hwy mpg effect of anywhere from 1-2 mpg less with the cross bars installed (plus the potential for wind noise and whistle)...
I don't think the running boards or steps have much effect (ESPECIALLY if you put on the strakes and deflect the air around them!)
Strangely enough, one of the worst mileage trips I ever had was with a 4-up bike rack plugged into the receiver (with 3 bikes on it). It was like a parachute for some reason...We dropped from 22.8 mpg on the previous cottage trip with a similar weight/passenger load to about 18.5 mpg with the stupid bikes.You should see how a refrigerator drops the mpg... We went 16 miles and dropped from 22.9 to 20.8 according to the mileage meter.
Wow, you wouldn't think your rack with 3 bikes would produce that much wind resistance.Strangely enough, one of the worst mileage trips I ever had was with a 4-up bike rack plugged into the receiver (with 3 bikes on it). It was like a parachute for some reason...We dropped from 22.8 mpg on the previous cottage trip with a similar weight/passenger load to about 18.5 mpg with the stupid bikes.
Worst even than with an ATV looming over the cab on the next run (think we still got a little over 20 mpg). Air flow can get messed up in a lot of different ways I guess...
Due to disturbing the way the air rolls off the tailgate. Same reason you don't want to add a rear spoiler.Strangely enough, one of the worst mileage trips I ever had was with a 4-up bike rack plugged into the receiver (with 3 bikes on it). It was like a parachute for some reason...We dropped from 22.8 mpg on the previous cottage trip with a similar weight/passenger load to about 18.5 mpg with the stupid bikes.
Worst even than with an ATV looming over the cab on the next run (think we still got a little over 20 mpg). Air flow can get messed up in a lot of different ways I guess...
That's interesting.Strangely enough, one of the worst mileage trips I ever had was with a 4-up bike rack plugged into the receiver (with 3 bikes on it). It was like a parachute for some reason...We dropped from 22.8 mpg on the previous cottage trip with a similar weight/passenger load to about 18.5 mpg with the stupid bikes.
Worst even than with an ATV looming over the cab on the next run (think we still got a little over 20 mpg). Air flow can get messed up in a lot of different ways I guess...
I doubt it will make a measurable difference. For EPA testing, if the RL scores 20.9, Honda can only advertize 20mpg. If they stick on a piece of plastic that pushes it a hair over 21, they can claim 21mpg.
OK, let’s say reality is midway between GT’s glass half-empty attitude of negligible MPG improvement and JS’s optimistic claim of 1 MPG improvement, that means that a ½ mpg improvement is possible with the strake thingies installed. They don't cost that much, and I think they look no worse than many other exterior accessories, so I’m willing to give them a chance to perform. Now, all I have to do is figure out how to bolt them on to an ’07 splash shield.This little piece of plastic is supposed to increase gas mileage by 1 MPG.
