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We have done two long journeys with bikes on the roof, one with 3 bikes and a roof box, the other just 2 bikes. On both the fuel economy was terrible reducing tank range to about 250 miles (from approx 400miles).

Due to the need to carry 4 bikes now, roof mounted is no longer an option as we need the roofbox when camping so I am looking at getting a towbar mounted carrier such as Mottez or similar. Do these have just as drastic effect on fuel economy as roof mounted? I know aerodynamics are as important at the rear of the car as the front but am clinging on to the fragile hope that it may improve.

Anything that disturbs the airflow will have this effect, so I wouldn't be looking for any improvement.  The cost of carrying bikes, I'm afraid.

Jim

I have just taken two bikes to and from the New Forest, with a fully laden car, from N. Hampshire, using a Thule towball mounted carrier and there was no loss of MPG at all.

As this was it's first outing I was keen to see the effect it might have.

Surprised me too, considering the wind on the way back yesterday!

Quote: Originally posted by cleeves on 03/5/2011

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On both the fuel economy was terrible reducing tank range to about 250 miles (from approx 400miles).

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3 families in 3 similar diesel estate cars (Skoda Octavia/Volvo V50/Peugeot 407SW) travelled in convoy from Kent to Dunreil in Holland. The Skoda and Volvo both had 4 bikes mounted on the roof. The Peugeot had 4 mounted on a tow ball carrier. Both the Skoda and Volvo had to make an additional fuel stop on the way there and on the way home.

The Volvo couldn't get under the height restriction at Cite Europe (and had to park in the area reserved for motorhomes) and later sustained damage at a toll booth due to the height of the bikes!

The Skoda must have been a bit lower and just managed to get into Cite Europe and was rewarded with cheap booze for the holiday. No other problems encountered except for having to lift the bikes up onto the roof each time.

The Peugeot had an 'Atera' 4 bike carrier mounted on a detachable swan neck towball. No problems with height or getting the bikes on or off. Still able to access the boot with the bikes on, but need to find a double end-to-end parking space due to the extra length - and must remember to turn of the parking sensors! 

Thanks for all of your replies. We have finally bitten the bullet and gone for a Mottez 4 bike carrier so we will see how fuel consumption works out.

Oliver, I'm afraid I don't drive at 60mph. With the journey at Easter being 1000miles each way, the additional time taken if I slow down is unacceptable, especially with two young children. I know that the higher speeds will drink petrol but it's the difference between with/without bikes at the same speed I'm interested in.

It's one of those things that I knew we were going to do regardless of the benefits (or lack of) to fuel consumption but I was just interested to hear of other peoples' experiences.

well cheers folks made my day, am taking the caravan and for the 1st time since staring caravaning, 2 roof mounted cycle's, after reading your posts regarding drag, mpg etc , i'd better book a fuel tanker to follow me now

 my old oil burner returns 45 mpg (unladen,urban cycle)  but not really lost that much mpg with the 'van hooked on, guess i can expect the mpg to take a real nose dive this trip

Hi realbusdriver. try what we do, carry bikes in the caravan.

all the best,

andy