Found this on CL yesterday, and went today to pick it up.I've been debating on whether or not to get one. I've read both yes and no on if they work. The $75 price made it seem well worth it! We'll see how it works out. For those that have one, where do you place it on the TV for best results?

Mine did not help mileage or stability at all. I did run a wire to it to operate as a television antenna for a portable tv. Worked great. Mine is an aluminum sheet about the same size and shape as yours.

My Dad had one, he ended up putting it in the front corner of the garage up in the rafters.

Might help keep the bug traffic down on the front of the camper, but would not expect much more.

I think if you could get one mounted that went from the top of the windshield and angled back so it came up to the top leading edge of the 5th wheel you'd be good. That would give you a smooth flow of air from the windshield back. But that won't happen, what you'll have is air spilling over the top of the wedge and hitting the fifth wheel. It'll move the point where the air flow hits the 5th wheel, but won't do a lot ease your movement through the air.

I have one and someone suggested that I tie a string to it and watch the air flow as I drive with it installed to determine the best pitch and location. Still haven't done it yet LOL. Cuts down big time on bugs though.

Update!!!!! Picked up a new piece of towing equipment today.

33 Replies

fj12ryder
Explorer III
May 29, 2014
GoPackGo wrote:
Great idea for the graphic but . . . . .

You do know that people will always unconsciously steer toward what they are looking at - right ?
Ding, ding, ding. We have a winner! :)
GoPackGo
Explorer
May 29, 2014
Great idea for the graphic but . . . . .

You do know that people will always unconsciously steer toward what they are looking at - right ?
BurbMan
Explorer III
May 29, 2014
dodge guy wrote:
Thanks guys. Maybe I can talk the DW into letting me put a mural on it! LOL

Dodge Guy looks like you scored big!! That thing will pay for itself on the next vacation!

Suggestion for some graphics on it:
dodge_guy
Explorer II
May 29, 2014
Yes. I too would like a more consistent number. I'll find out in a month. As someone else mentioned my savings will be around $200 on our Myrtle Beach trip. That is a significant savings! Not to mention the decreased wear and tear on the X.
ktosv
Explorer
May 28, 2014
Dang, I was hoping it wouldn't work for you and I could buy it from you. It was already color matched to my van!!

Glad to hear it worked. Maybe another update after your next trip to see how consistent it is. For that type of gain I just might have to watch Craigslist too...
Airstreamer67
Explorer
May 28, 2014
I've been using one for a number of years and find a small improvement in mileage. It's worth the cost I paid, less than $300. My costs have been recovered long ago, and the rest of gravy.

When the bug line rises on the trailer, it means the bugs are following the wind carrying them. That means the trailer is in the slipstream to some degree, which improves fuel mileage. Sure it would be better if it could be closer to the trailer, but life is full of compromises so we do the best we can. Mine is on the back of my campertop as close as I can get it to the trailer.
dodge_guy
Explorer II
May 26, 2014
Hello again. I haven`t filled up yet, but so far it looks like the drive home netted me around 8mpg. mostly due to the slow moving stop and go Monday morning drivers. every time I got up to speed I had to slow down due to someone turning, and they would make very slow turns!!! very aggravating LOL. and again the X had no issues holding O/D where before at the very slightest small incline it would downshift to 3rd, even a small headwind used to cause the same thing. now the X just feels much better, like it`s not even trying to pull an 11 1/2 foot tall, 9200lb box! and the bugs on the front of the trailer are just about all gone. just a small line at the top of the trailer. the wing is mounted as far to the rear of the X as I can, at the edge of the roof rack rails.
LarryJM
Explorer II
May 26, 2014
GoPackGo wrote:
I believe placement of the wing is critical. It needs to be a certain distance from the trailer to be effective. Don't know what that distance is.

Correct and that distance is VERY SMALL ... just look at the fairings on 18 wheelers and how close they come to the trailer ... my guess would be on the order of less than 10" or so and the faring should be slightly larger than the front of the trailer.

Finally, as someone mentioned messing with the front does nothing to the HUGE drag from the rear which with the tires and undercarriage is probably close to the same in total to the front or very close to it.

Larry
jaycocamprs
Explorer
May 26, 2014
dodge guy wrote:
A 1.5 mpg improvement is substantial!

That should save you about $200 going Myrtle Beach, and back.
Passin_Thru
Explorer
May 25, 2014
I'd look a deflectors made for Day cab trucks. (One with no sleeper). They are designed and proven. I remember when I first started running them on trucks, they gave better fuel mileage and helped in a strong headwind. However I can't see how this one will help as it's too far fwd. http://www.bing.com/images/search?q=wind+deflectors+for+trucks&id=5F9934238EFDD4A38AAC98BB3037C206F689F34F&FORM=IQFRBA#view=detail&id=5F9934238EFDD4A38AAC98BB3037C206F689F34F&selectedIndex=0
1.5 MPG will work out to some savigns after 10K.