I wonder how much wind resistance a roof rack adds to a vehicle? I've been noticing a few vans and SUV's that have the roof rack cross bars removed. Is this some type of fuel saving trend?

 

I would not think it would be much but I am not an engineer. Maybe they don't want the bars stolen...

-Matt

 

You're driving a brick- adding a grid topper is not going to ruin the aerodynamic's of a brick.
However, if it's the front crossmember you're seeing missing, sometimes that bar sets up a resonance in the roof. Some guys remove that bar to cut down on that noise.

 

My ski rack ON TOP of the roof rack on my '92 Explorer costs me about 0.4 mpg. I'd take it off in the summer, but it helps me find my car in the parking lot.