I have the 1-UP platform Hitch rack on my MY. On a recent trip I used it to carry two road bikes. I knew it would create extra drag, but was shocked to see that my range was reduced by a third. Pretty consistently, for every mile I drove, my range went down by 1.5 miles. So my LR MY range went from over 300 miles to just above 200, requiring me to replan my trip's stops at superchargers. I typically drove between 72 and 76 MPH.
Now, a roof rack has the bikes positioned in the direction of travel, so that would suggest less drag than a hitch rack where they are positioned perpendicular to direction of travel. But in the hitch rack, they are in the rear, where I'd think they would have less drag.
I'd prefer not to get theoretical views. Does anyone have data on carrying bikes on top of their MY and what is the hit to the range that configuration? Other responses on the range you get when using hitch racks are also welcome.
Now, a roof rack has the bikes positioned in the direction of travel, so that would suggest less drag than a hitch rack where they are positioned perpendicular to direction of travel. But in the hitch rack, they are in the rear, where I'd think they would have less drag.
I'd prefer not to get theoretical views. Does anyone have data on carrying bikes on top of their MY and what is the hit to the range that configuration? Other responses on the range you get when using hitch racks are also welcome.