I am transfering to a school out in NV, and I am planning on taking my car out there with me. I will be going from Maine to western Nevada and was thinking about putting a Thule on the roof to carry my skis and bike. I was wondering what I should expect for gas milage when doing this (going 80-85mph), and also if any of you have heard any stories or had any experiences with the racks failing (mainly for my bike due to the air resistance and height of it) Suggestions are welcome, thank you.

 

I'm out here in Reno. IF you have the Fairing you should be fine. Just make sure that you have the fork tied down well.

 

I drove from KS to FL recently with 4 bikes on the roof at highway speeds up to 80+ mph with no problems. I would suggest that you periodically look thru the sunroof to visually check while driving, and of course re-check every time you make your scheduled stops for food, gas or whatever. You shouldn't have any problems. Good luck.

 

I notice about a 1.5 mpg difference with just the rack. That's based on about 85-90% of the time with no bikes, just work commute with the rack. I really never have the bike/bikes on long enough to get a true reading with them.

 

I wouldn't recommend doing 80+ with a chunk of metal that makes your car another 3'+ taller...

 

you'll lose 2-3mpg tops. The real downside is the wind noise, which gets annoying after a while

Also make sur to get a "fork-mount" bike rack, where the front wheel comes off. They are MUCH more secure/solid than the stand-up type where the front wheel stays on.

This type:

 

Also, I work weekeds at a ski shop (we sell Thule) and I've never heard of one failing, coming off, etc when it is installed correctly and everything is tightened down.

 

I wouldn't "recommend" it either, and I don't think I was. When I drove that fast I was actually testing the system to see how stable or unstable the car became. Results: pretty stable and definitely can be done

 

I could run at Summit Point raceway with my bikes on the roof. The Thule rack + fork mount is quite secure, and I've done some "spirited" mountain driving with two bikes on the roof on several occasions....

 

Since I do not have the Thule yet I have been thinking up different ways of getting my bike and skis on the car. I work at a place where I can have a hitch put on pretty cheap ($90-$100). Is there a hitch Thule that can hold a bike and two pairs of skis (I can limit it to one if needed). If so would this be better or worse?

 

Roof racks are great for holding bikes and skis. If installed right, it isn't going to be a problem. Your gas mileage may suffer slightly and you will have some extra wind noise, both of these are improved with the fairing.

The hitch option is great on my Jeep, but I would not consider it on a car due to dragging it when going up steeper inclines like driveway, entrances to shopping areas etc.

Thule makes great products and you can probably find some used and just buy the fit kit for your car.