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I tried to remove the roof rack from my 1998 Odyssey LX. If I remove my side rails it leaves a large hole where the rails are mounted. I wound up just removing the cross bars and putting the side rails back on. This should reduce some wind drag. Is there any mouldings available to cover up the holes where the rails are mounted?

xmr, like the Odyssey, my Vibe came with roof rails. I don't believe those have much of an impact on mpg. Think about how small of an area on the end is hit by the wind as we drive down the road. I am leaving my rails alone. ;) Remove the cross pieces, baskets, kayak/bike racks except when hauling cargo that won't fit inside.

Thanks Niki. I felt that the cross bars had to have some inpact on wind resistance. At least removing them won't hurt and could help. With out some kind of moulding to fill in the holes I don't think it would be smart to remove the side rails.

John

Crossbars have a much bigger effect on FE than side rails. Side rails are more streamlined relative to the wind direction and have a much smaller frontal area.

I've left the factory side rails on my Jetta wagon (as I did previously on my Subaru) but removed all cross bars or other impediments that might catch the wind.

Thanks for confirming what I thought

John