Roof bars

hamsta · 05-16-2008, 03:45 AM

My GV has the longitudinal bars only- no X ones. They are never used. Does anyone feel that economy gains are in order if they are removed? They seem to be fastened by 3 bolts/unit to the roof via captive nuts. Am I correct? If so, then after removal, just plug the holes. Also, as mentioned before, fan swap to electric too. What gains does one feel that might be gained overall?

hamsta · 05-18-2008, 03:35 AM

No ideas or suggestions??????

mule · 05-18-2008, 08:05 AM

the concept behind it ... yes you will gain some mpg, but probably about 1-2 mpg. but in this day and age people are trying to eek out every bit they can get

murcod · 05-18-2008, 08:03 PM

IMHO I don't think you'd really notice any difference. The rails that run the length of the roof are low profile and only have the front edge that creates wind resistance. It might be different if you were driving around with the cross bars on all the time, they'd create a lot more drag.

It would be interesting to see the results, but don't expect anything much.

netlos · 05-19-2008, 11:14 AM

yeah i agree with Murcod ,it is the cross bars that give the wind resistance my cross bars are always on and i can honestly not say that they really affect my gas milage at all,so in my opinion with the longitudinal bars removed the results of better gas milage would be minimal to nil.

mule · 05-19-2008, 11:12 PM

honestly i was thinking cross bars when i typed that. so yeah probably neglible difference for longitudinal bars

armatos · 07-09-2008, 01:12 PM

I use to use the crossbar on my Grand Vitara to carry my bike, recently I remove them after experience a high comsuption of gas. Sincerely, I feel a little advantage removing them, the Grand Vitara gave me 15 to 20 more miles per tank. Is not a big diference but It help. Now I carry the bike in the trunk.

murillus · 07-13-2008, 10:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hamsta

Does anyone feel that economy gains are in order if they are removed?

Doesn´t...

milo_sama · 09-02-2008, 10:48 PM

take a look for this one, is excelent solution no wind noises, i recomended

Amazon.com: Westin 15-4015 Sport-Series OE Rail Mount Rack Kit, for the 2004 Suzuki Grand Vitara: Automotive

murcod · 09-03-2008, 03:29 AM

Those ones look almost exactly the same as the Thule crossbars I purchased.

Actually they're all very similar apart from the genuine style which actually fit in between the bars instead of on top.