Forum Discussion

campigloo's avatar
campigloo
Explorer
Dec 05, 2013

Aerodynamics

Ok, before you start this seems a bit off the wall to me too. I have been reading about mods to trucks involving sealing off the bottom side to improve air flow. Seems like a lot of work to me. But I have somewhat seriously considered mounting a wind deflector(got a better name?) behind the wheel wells and in front of the tailgate. I have an Outback and the front is somewhat rounded, but I have a bug line about half way up. Think it's worth it?
Also was looking at some wind tunnel tests and see a vacuum behind the trailer. Would an air scoop under the trailer pointed up from the bumper help?
Try not to laugh too hard. Don't want any split ribs out there!
  • Y-Guy's avatar
    Y-Guy
    Moderator
    Dec 06, 2013
    It would feel good, but not sure you'll ever get your return on investment back. I've found if I slow down my MPG goes up, good ol' 55 is just about the ideal speed. But I say try it, somebody will find an inexpensive gizmo that works, can't find it if you don't dream and try it.
  • Lynnmor's avatar
    Lynnmor
    Explorer
    Dec 06, 2013
    PawPaw_n_Gram wrote:
    My prediction is that in 20 years - trailers and MH will look quite different because of trucker developed aerodynamic lessons.


    I predict that in 20 years we will be even dummer. Here is where we were 78 years ago:

  • Tin_Pusher's avatar
    Tin_Pusher
    Explorer II
    Dec 06, 2013
    Keeping in mind that 78 yrs ago, aerodymanics was a lot more styling than science :)
  • Lynnmor's avatar
    Lynnmor
    Explorer
    Dec 06, 2013
    Tin Pusher wrote:
    Keeping in mind that 78 yrs ago, aerodymanics was a lot more styling than science :)


    Here is a little history lesson from the same time period:

    Science?

    :R
  • profdant139's avatar
    profdant139
    Explorer II
    Dec 06, 2013
    They sell those airtab things -- little triangles on the back edge of the RV -- and some truckers use them. But I do not know if there is a controlled study to show that the mpg justifies the expense. Some folks who use them swear that they get a more stable ride and less dirt on the back.
  • profdant139's avatar
    profdant139
    Explorer II
    Dec 07, 2013
    Ichabod, I have seen those discussions, and I guess what they say about economists might also be true of aerodynamicists -- if you took all of their opinions and laid them end to end, you'd never reach a conclusion!

    If anyone knows for sure whether those airtabs really make financial sense (or don't), I would love to see some hard data. It could be like those underbelly skirts on freight trailers -- they make sense if you drive a quarter million miles a year.
  • Francesca_Knowl's avatar
    Francesca_Knowl
    Explorer
    Dec 07, 2013
    profdant139 wrote:
    I guess what they say about economists might also be true of aerodynamicists -- if you took all of their opinions and laid them end to end, you'd never reach a conclusion!


    Bet the aerodynamicists would get close faster unless you tied 'em down real good, though.

    Thanks for the new-to-me word, by the way...I like it! ;)

About DIY Maintenance

RV projects you can tackle on your own with a few friendly pointers.4,351 PostsLatest Activity: Jan 13, 2025