Does anyone use a roof rack?

[alarimer]

For bicycles, kayaks,etc? Do you remove it when you are not using it? I just installed mine and when I drove down the highway, I noticed a lot of noise from the wind, so I have decided to remove the rack when I am not using it (which would be most of the time).

Also, have you noticed an effect on your gas mileage? I read that a loaded roof rack decreases gas mileage by about 5% but I guess it could vary. I only get 24-25 MPG in town, so I thought taking the rack off might keep me from getting even worse mileage.

[LeftyMom]

1. I take the accessories off the rack when I'm not using them

But since installing the rack means taking my door frame apart I leave the rack on. I haven't noticed added noise just from the frame, but a fairing should minimize the issue and also help with fuel economy lost to drag.

[MissB]

2. I don't know about the mileage, but I remove mine when not

being used.

Couple of reasons: on the rare occasion that I take the car through the carwash, it is best not to have the rack in place. Plus, while the rack is easy to install, it does tuck in my weatherstrip along the doors in a couple of places - over time, that weatherstripping will probably fail. Taking the roof off after use makes me feel that I'm maybe saving that stuff just a bit.

My bike does fit in my car. I usually only use the racks when I'm taking the big bike (the tandem) or going on a trip. Otherwise, I open the back and shove it in. Plus, I'm short so it's a bit of a pain in the ass to remove my bike from the roof rack.

[jobycom]

3. I leave the rack on

My diesel is so loud the wind noise isn't a big deal, and the car is fairly soundproof anyway. Do you have the little spoiler thingie on the front of the ack to reduce wind noise?

[alarimer]

4. I don't have one

But I might get one. I don't know how big a pain it will be to keep taking the rack off and then putting it back on. I guess it depends on how often I think I am going to use.

[ChoralScholar]

5. You're not talking about

a luggage rack, right?

I've used ours once, to get some elbow room on the way back from St. Louis.

[alarimer]

6. What I have is a set of Yakima bars

You can attach lots of different accessories to them, including luggage racks. I was just wondering in general if I should leave them on when I am not needing them. I would have to take them off for car washes anyway and it isn't too difficult to put them on- they just clip to the top of the door.