Roof boxes - do they alter the towing dynamics
19 replies
charlieboy2608 replied on 04/05/2017 14:16
Tinwheeler replied on 04/05/2017 14:51
Posted on 04/05/2017 14:16 by charlieboy2608Oh dear I knew i'd be entering into the lions den by mentioning the towing ratio somebody would quote the obvious ;-)
Maths is still maths so by increasing the weight it still changes the ratio!
Wildwood replied on 05/05/2017 23:29
Posted on 05/05/2017 23:29
I have to agree that it is not going to change the towing performance. If you have a hatchback or estate and have the box finishing near the back of the car it might improve the airflow and give you a small increase in fuel consumption.
Probably the most noticeable effect will be keeping dead flies off more of the front of the caravan.l
peedee replied on 24/04/2020 06:40
richardandros replied on 25/04/2020 05:37
Posted on 25/04/2020 05:37
Not quite the same set up as you are talking about, but I tow a Knaus Starclass with a Touareg which has a spare wheel mounted on a roof rack. Anything less aerodynamic, I can't imagine! It makes no difference whatsoever, other than for a slight increase in fuel consumption.
replied on 25/04/2020 10:36
Posted on 25/04/2020 05:37 by richardandrosNot quite the same set up as you are talking about, but I tow a Knaus Starclass with a Touareg which has a spare wheel mounted on a roof rack. Anything less aerodynamic, I can't imagine! It makes no difference whatsoever, other than for a slight increase in fuel consumption.
Posted on 25/04/2020 10:36
I can be less aerodynamic than you! We tow a Swift Charisma 230 with a VW Tiguan and stopped at our French Hovel on the way to Spain in December just past to stick 2 bikes up on the roof bars of the car. Reduced the braking effort on the descents in the Pyrenees and probably added 5%-7% to the diesel consumption. Glad to be able to drop the bikes off in France on the return leg because we drove from Newhaven to Scotland on the day of the violent winds, 24th February! Turning onto the A27 dual carriageway from the Newhaven exit and struggling to reach 40mph as the headwind encountered Swifty was not very pleasant!
Steve
mrp62
Caravanner