Wind deflectors - has anyone used one and do they work

pianotuna wrote:
Hi Bipeflier,

Follow the link I sent.

I agree slowing down works.

Apples and oranges.

Reducing the low pressure area behind a school bus is much different than deflecting air up and over a 5th wheel trailer. There are several different designs for devices to reduce the low pressure air behing over the road trailers but the truck mounted airfoil appears to work if it is within 2' of the trailer, not as well if it is 4' or 5' away.

I stand by the "slow down" as the most effective way to increase fuel mileage right now.

Hi Bipeflier,

The very best way is to drive with the wind *grin*.

I had several friends in the business of delivering RVs to dealers. They all at one time or another used deflectors and over a period of time most gave them up. They didn't do much while towing except move the bug line up. They hurt the mileage while not towing which for most of us would be the majority of time and were a real pain to put on and take off and store. One did keep his because as he said "it made his truck look cool".

fpresto wrote:
I had several friends in the business of delivering RVs to dealers. They all at one time or another used deflectors and over a period of time most gave them up. They didn't do much while towing except move the bug line up. They hurt the mileage while not towing which for most of us would be the majority of time and were a real pain to put on and take off and store. One did keep his because as he said "it made his truck look cool".

I use a wing and yes it works, however it needs to be adjusted correctly. If as you say it just raises the bug line then it needs adjusting. If adjusted properly there will be no bug line... I do agree the distance between the trailer and the wing does make a difference I have moved mine closer to the trailer and improved MPG by 1.2 per gal.