MPG with Cargo Box
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From: Columbus, OH
2008 GL 320 CDI
MPG with Cargo Box
I'm back from my first road trip with my GL 320 and -- with my Thule Atlantis cargo box on top -- I averaged just about 22MPG (straight, flat highway driving). This is much better than the 18MPG city I've been getting, but I kinda expected it to be higher. I'm thinking the cargo box brought it down, though I didn't realize it would have so much of an impact. Has anyone had a similar experience?
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2007 GL450
Also could be the extra weight, more than the box itself.
I have a ML320 and I carry a lot of tools around in the back. The total amount a has a lot of weight.
I was suprised how my around town mileage improved when I took those tools out.
I have a ML320 and I carry a lot of tools around in the back. The total amount a has a lot of weight.
I was suprised how my around town mileage improved when I took those tools out.
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From: Cali
2011 GL450
I'm back from my first road trip with my GL 320 and -- with my Thule Atlantis cargo box on top -- I averaged just about 22MPG (straight, flat highway driving). This is much better than the 18MPG city I've been getting, but I kinda expected it to be higher. I'm thinking the cargo box brought it down, though I didn't realize it would have so much of an impact. Has anyone had a similar experience?
Last edited by MomsBenz; Jul 11, 2008 at 10:03 PM.
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'08 GL320 CDI, 2001 996 C4S
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From: Colorado Rocky Mtns.
'06 A6 & '08 GL550
Wind noise is bearable to my opinion. just keep the windows and sunroof closed, you will be fine. I have the Mercedes cargo box and it goes on the slot of the cross bars. I have to take the rubber fitting on the middle slot to put the cargo box. When you take this rubber out you will here a whistling sound. But for me its bearable.
Our solution was to get another rubber strip from the dealer (ours gave it to us for free) and we cut it down to the exact size to fit the rail when the cargo box is installed. Not a peep of wind noise has been heard since.
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From: Cali
2011 GL450
We found without the rubber fitting in the cross bar, the wind noise was unbearable. It might have been where the cross bar was on the roof, but it was easily heard over the Sirius or iPod.
Our solution was to get another rubber strip from the dealer (ours gave it to us for free) and we cut it down to the exact size to fit the rail when the cargo box is installed. Not a peep of wind noise has been heard since.
Our solution was to get another rubber strip from the dealer (ours gave it to us for free) and we cut it down to the exact size to fit the rail when the cargo box is installed. Not a peep of wind noise has been heard since.
(I don't know why I am worried about wind noise, I am going to have 3 kids in a car for 14+ hours, like I will be able to hear wind noise over them
)
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From: LA LA Land
'07 GL 450, '02 S 80 T6
Originally Posted by MomsBenz
I don't know why I am worried about wind noise, I am going to have 3 kids in a car for 14+ hours, like I will be able to hear wind noise over them
. And, I agree, wind noise will be least of your worries on the trip.
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From: Colorado Rocky Mtns.
'06 A6 & '08 GL550
Thanks! I don't think I have any rubber fittings. I will have to go look. I have the 19" wheel package and it came with factory cross bars. Should I already have this rubber piece?
(I don't know why I am worried about wind noise, I am going to have 3 kids in a car for 14+ hours, like I will be able to hear wind noise over them)
(I don't know why I am worried about wind noise, I am going to have 3 kids in a car for 14+ hours, like I will be able to hear wind noise over them
)Trust me though... the wind noise would drive you insane regardless of how many kids you have.
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From: Cali
2011 GL450
I am stocking up on DVD's for the kids and ear plugs for me and the hubs
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From: Columbus, OH
2008 GL 320 CDI
The wind noise is not very noticeable, particularly if you keep the sunshade closed. I drove on a particularly windy day and did feel a bit more buffeting, but nothing too dramatic. Overall, the Thule box is terrific.
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From: Cali
2011 GL450
