Roof Cargo Carrier/Bag Fuel Economy

[JEden8]

Anyone use a roof mounted cargo carrier or cargo bag on the roof for road trips? Have you noticed a difference in fuel economy? I'm looking to either put a hitch on our 2013 for a hitch mounted cargo carrier or using something on the roof. Not wanting to drop of fuel economy a ton either though at the same time. We will be driving from Tampa, FL to Michigan so it'll be a long trip. Thanks for the help!

 

[JDraper]

I ran about 1000 miles with a canoe on top of my '11 and I lost about 2-3 mpg.

 

[langla4]

I have a Thule cargo box I use in the wintertime for ski trips. My Sport normally averages 21 on the highway running between 65 and 68mph. With the box it drops about 3 mpg. I do not have a wind deflector for the cross bars. In all fairness, the mileage also drops because I usually have three adults, a large dog and the cargo space filled to the top.