Printable View
Yes it dropped my economy too when I put an ARB bar on about 10 years ago. Also noticed the fan coming on up hills etc. Prior to fitting the bar I had not heard the viscos fan come on. Suggests to me that air flow is not as good as the original. But lifted suspension, bigger tyres roof racks possibly even a snorkel all affect the aerodynamics in a negative waysd.
I fitted a winch without bar (behind the std bar). Has made no appreciable difference to economy, and thats on a 4.6. Also measured the height before and after and was the same (and car wasn't moved while fitting). Mount was made from 600mm of 13 x 6 section with 6mm side plates. Weight of mount was equal to a full length of steel cable but fortunatly the winch came with synthetic.
I think that the auto has a lot to do with your increased economy, it doesn't seem to be as efficiant as the manual when adding extras, (ie) extra weight, I haven't noticed any change in economy with my manual, and I'm running 235/85/16s, roof racks, winch and bar, chipped, drawers in the back, still getting the same economy that I had when the car was basically stock.
Baz.