We have returned from an 1,800 mile trip through flatlands, hills, and mountains. 8 people of various sizes and ages on board, plus luggage (limited to one bag / person).

Our MPG average was 17.5. This going was at cruise set speed of approx. 76 MPH...average about 18.8. Coming back we pushed a bit harder...80 - 82. The extra push made quite a difference in the overall trip mileage. I couldn't be more please.

When I budgeted the trip gas I rated the MPG @ 15 due to the extra rate.

The best I could ever get out of the '07 'Burb was 16.5.

 

Where do you keep 8 bags with 8 people in the suv? Roof?

 

Thats a good question.

 

I limited everyone to one soft bag. Which was difficult, at best, with (3) 16 year old girls, (4) adults, and (1) 3 year old. Luckily all complied, even though the 16 year old's bags all weighed about 50 pounds each....

All the bags fit behind the third seat with room for a few more, actually. Remember, I have an EL.

 

Now THAT is some talent! The whole back end of my EL is full almost level with the top of the third seat just with crap... 'er, I mean equipment that I carry all the time.

 

Yeah, I rule my home with an iron fist....as long as all those Alfa females let me.

 

Yeah, me too. I make all the rules in my house, after, of course, having wife look them over and decide which ones she will allow....

 

that's why i am trying to sell my 03 for an 07 el. the extra room comes in quite handy. and i could use the extra mpg's too!!!

edit: wait, is this a 2wd? that may explain the mpg's. need 4wd in my neck of the woods.

 

Yes, it is a 2x2. As I recall, you can expect a 1.5 - 2.0 MPG decrease for 4x4.

 

yeah, i was averaging 15.6 mpg on my trips to fl before the s/c went in....not so high now!

 

thats awesome, It's always a feat to get 9 of us stuffed into a burb, with personal gear and snowmobile gear.

 

If we had taken the wake-boards, those would have gone to the roof rack. Probably would have dropped the MPG just a bit as well.

 

I bought one of these


So when I go camping or to the beach, I can store all my things on this. I have put 6 plastic tubs with camping gear strapped down no problem. I also put 5 boogie boards, two beach chairs, a cooler and an umbrella when I goto the beach.

Cost me $99 shipped.

 

Does it make you disengage your back up sensors?

 

Yes, it trips the sensors. But it's a small price to pay for the added storage. Way easier than loading it on top of the truck. They also sell a back that attaches and you can stuff things inside that.