Roof rack removal for better MPG!

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MazdaMan · Jr. Member Joined: 07 Nov 2006 Posts: 55

Just like the topic states, I want to remove the roof rack to sqeeze out some extra fuel economy out of it. I will probably never use it.

Has anybody done this?
How many bolts are involved and how to remove would be very helpful!

By the way my last tank was my best yet, @ 22.2 MPG!
I suspect that I'm actually getting better because I have the bigger [+1.8%] 225/60/16 tires on it than the stock 215/60/16.

RedWingsGuy

subearu

You can remove the crossbars and maybe get 1mpg, though I've never measured it. You need to remove the bolts on the front and back of each rail, which will allow you to slide the crossbars off. Front can only slide off via the front, rear can only slide off the rear. I'd reconnect the rails though.

-Brian

MazdaMan · Jr. Member Joined: 07 Nov 2006 Posts: 55

Thanks for the comments guys!

Redwingsguy, I've been running about 38-39 LBs in my tires and that mileage was also a mix on my normal weeks travel and I have gotten up to 27mpg on a trip before.

Subearu, thanks for the cross-bar tip.

I've seen some custom Suburbans/Blazers that have the holes filled with flat bolts that look pretty decent and thought I would try something along those lines.

alschnertz

How are the bolts held to the roof of the MPV?

I have seen, but have no experience with, "roof rack plugs" that are sold by ipdusa.com. Yes I know they are a Volvo / Subaru parts site, but maybe this is something like what you are looking for.

MazdaMan · Jr. Member Joined: 07 Nov 2006 Posts: 55

That looks exactly what I'm looking for!
I checked that site but it does not list the size hole it fits in, since you own a couple of Volvos would you know the size they use for the bolt?
Here's a pic of them in everybody was wondering what they look like.

For the people that have no roof rack from the factory, do you have the holes in the roof already drilled in case you want to add one? Are they filled with a plug if it is there?

alschnertz

If you are looking for a certain size, give them a call, they are really helpful there.

I have seen different sizes used for the well-nuts. Many of the older (we're talking 60's & 70's) Volvo roof racks were installed by the dealers and there didn't seem to be any particular size bolts used. That could be why ipd sells different sizes.

You realize that these just plug the hole in the sheet metal, right? They do not thread into anything. So you would have to remove anything threaded prior to using this style plug.

My MPV does not have a roof rack and there are no holes pre-drilled in the roof to accept one. That's not to say there isn't something under the sheet metal though.

JMTRANSAMSD455

Try putting your air pressure cold at 39-41 lbs, use Full Synthetic oil 5W-20 in summer like Mobil 1, Royal Purple or 0W-20 for winter driving plus new Motorcraft filter FL-820S. Make sure your air cleaner filter is clean not dirty. Remove all unnecessary dead weight in the vehicle like tools, containers, excess boxes, etc to lower your weight down. Then make sure your Pvan is washed and clean with a fresh coat of wax. Jack.

Todd Barney

My experience with removing the roof rack (factory installed, btw):
http://forum.mpvclub.com/viewtopic.php?t=14003&highlight=

kwong

May I suggest that removing the middle seats is a better way to improve you MPG? Those 2 seats weights around 80 lb together. And keep the tires air pressure up too.

I am doing a test and see it acutually makes a difference.