Carrying the gear ON or BEHIND the Cruiser ?

[David*BJ70]

What is the best way to carry all my camping gear (I don’t know maybe ± 200Kg (4 members family).

Best way? I talk about fuel consumption of course!

I have two choices.

Bringing all the gear in a Sport rack unit + “alf-roof rack” on the top and a “basket” in the itch.

OR

All the stuff in a 5'X7' 200Kg trailer.

I think the wind resistance can make a greater difference than the 200kg trailer… making that last way cheaper in fuel consumption.


I’m wrong or not?

 

[cody c]

The benefit of the rack is that it makes the vehicle easier in parking lots, and easier off road. And probally a lot cheaper than a trailer.
No clue about the difference in fuel consumption, too many variables i.e. weight and size of trailer, amount of gear on rack etc.

 

[roscoFJ73]

IMO there wont be much difference to fuel consumption. I tow my 6x4 200kg trailer+ 200 kg camping gear behind the FJHZ73 and it doesnt really register on long runs . Maybe 5-10% extra.

If you put it up top you will have more sway and cross wind interference.

The trailer is a good work bench and storage box at the camp site

 

[M John Galt]

Go for the trailer. The top rack puts the weight and wind resistance where you don't want it, and the hitch rack will be filthy with road grime all the time. A small trailer with a secure box is way better for camping for a lot of good reasons.

 

[seapotato]

on a related note, whether this is real or imagined I'm not sure, but I have a little 5x8 enclosed trailer ,which has a very short tongue, and is pretty much exactly the same size as the 70

( like the interstate ones you see everywhere now) and when I tow it behind the 70 it seems to create the drafting effect, and once I'm up to speed, seems to hold it better....

can't say on the fuel consumption tho.

I much prefer the towing option myself.

 

[David*BJ70]

Thank you all.


.... waiting for some extra input...

 

[polarweasel]

You may have more luck with this question in the "trailer tech" or "camping" sections...

I've done several-thousand mile road trips with big roof racks, and they do reduce your fuel economy, but if you use one of those Yakima/Thule aerodynamic roof boxes, you can minimize that, I would think. As others have pointed out, trailers can be a pain in the ass for parking lots and trails, and a serious benefit at the campsite.

It all depends on what you're planning on doing on these trips... Point to point every day, roof rack is likely a better option. Base camp with excursions, go for the trailer.

But only if you can lock the trailer closed, and lock it to something solid.

 

[Mark W]

I assume that you are talking about use with your BJ70.

But you don't mention what sort of uses you will be tasking your rig/combo with. Or what sort of distance.

If you're talking about a road trip... Use the trailer.


Mark...

 

[David*BJ70]

Yeah ! It's for a road trip. 1000 Km(600mi). No off road... with the camping gear.

 

[nickw]

Putting gear on the roof and trailer both have their place. I depends on what you are doing, and how much stuff you got, and the quality of trailer in the offroad.

If its all highway I would just use a trailer. It gives you more space in case you end up coming home with more than you left with. Trailers are convenient, and easier on the back than lifting stuff up and down to the roof. If your not crossing any paid ferries (although in BC you pay extra if your to tall as well) or paid highways (extra axle) don't worry about it.

Personally I would haul a trailer to avoid having 450lbs up top on the highway. It will also reduce weight on your cruiser. 4 adults and gear is heavy.

In the end its your call.

Hope this helps,
Cheers,
N.

 

[polarweasel]

trailer it!

Yeah ! It's for a road trip. 1000 Km(600mi). No off road... with the camping gear.

No tolls on the roads, and no ferries? Like Mark said...trailer for sure.

If there are tolls, figure out how much they'll cost you. Probably not that much.