Apart from the extra weight, I was wondering if adding extra equipment to a motorhome's roof adversely affects wind resistance and therefore fuel efficiency. Consider the size of some A/C units, satellite domes / dishes, roof racks etc?
I know that many motorhomes are not exactly aerodynamic, but adding bits to the roof can't really help.
------------- Two drifters off to see the world.
I'm tired of reality, so I'm off to look for a good fantasy.
That's very true, but of course where else can they go, to enjoy these things one must have to pay a penalty.
The one way to ease the MPG is to drive at a sedate speed, because why does one need to rush about, after all its supposed to be a relaxing hobby. I don't advise to go that slow to hold up following traffic,but carrying all the weight a motorhome does,is only ok if you have shares in oil companies.
Stability too. I thought heavy stuff was supposed to be carried as low & central as possible.
Unless you're living long term in a MH, I don't see a need for a roof box, we've never had a problem with the storage inside for 3-4 weeks.
Carrying a kayak or canoe, however, makes it look like an exciting trip.
Quote: Originally posted by kiev on 23/8/2018
That's very true, but of course where else can they go, to enjoy these things one must have to pay a penalty.
The one way to ease the MPG is to drive at a sedate speed, because why does one need to rush about, after all its supposed to be a relaxing hobby. I don't advise to go that slow to hold up following traffic,but carrying all the weight a motorhome does,is only ok if you have shares in oil companies.
This. I cruise along at 55/60mph. 1-because it chills you out, faster you go the more stressful it becomes. 2-because im a cheap skate and like to save fuel and 3-because my T4 is 88bhp and takes me about 20mins to get to 60. I just do a crossword from a standing start to 60
Quote: Originally posted by Capt Lightning on 23/8/2018
I know that many motorhomes are not exactly aerodynamic, but adding bits to the roof can't really help.
A number of motorhomes nowadays carry storage boxes fixed to the rear of the vehicle.
Sorry, but if you spend fifty thousand pounds on a motorhome are you really bothered about losing a quid on fuel efficiency! A bottle of wine weighs....who cares, but probably cost's two pence in additional fuel cost over a ten thousand mile journey! Is it me?
Anything that disrupts the flow of air over or around a vehicle will affect fuel economy. The turbulence created causes drag as the van passes through the air so it needs more energy (diesel) to overcome this drag. As said before, motorhomes aren't purchased for their fuel economy so don't spoil your trips by stressing about a bit of diesel.
Quote: Originally posted by Capt Lightning on 02/9/2018
With the increasing cost of fuel, I would have thought that efficiency could be an issue. Obviously not to yourself, but maybe to others.
I merely made the observation after seeing a bus sized RV on site with its roof covered with an array of equipment.
In fairness, if it was a "bus sized RV", then I doubt that "efficiency" was of much concern to its owner either.
Now, if these roof boxes,air conditioning units, sat' domes etc were bolted onto the roof of, say a small Berlingo based coachbuilt, then I dare say that MPG figures(and going around corners safely!) may become a bigger issue..
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Topic: Wind resistance.
