Wind deflectors - has anyone used one and do they work

[sljohnson1938]

Any one out there ever used a 'Wind deflector'? The kind that mounds on top of the truck cab. I have talked with people and get both yea and nay replies. They cost several hundred dollars so I would have to get a real good boost in fuel mileage, that or drive a long way.

If I drive 10,000 and get 12 MPG at $4.00 per gallon = $3333.00.
If I drive 10,000 and get 14 MPG at $4.00 per gallon = $2857.00.

[Impulse24]

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.

[fpresto]

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".

[pianotuna]

Hi Bipeflier,

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

[Bipeflier]

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.

[hone_eagle]

Wind deflectors work?
yes they deflect wind with the added no cost bonus of deflecting bugs as well ,a benefit not to be underestimated.

[tgreening]

There you have it...definitive proof that some people thinks it's the greatest thing since sliced bread, and some people think it's not worth the space it takes up.


Aren't opinions great? 🙂

[pianotuna]

Hi Bipeflier,

Follow the link I sent.

I agree slowing down works.

[Bipeflier]

I'll buy one when someone can show me the drag coeficients from certified wind tunnel testing. Until then there are just too many variables to make any informed decisions.

You can save a lot more fuel ($$$) by slowing down and smart driving.

[Desert_Captain]

rhingst wrote:
The people who believe this works real well are the same people that believe you get better fuel mileage driving with your tailgate down.

I don't own a fiver as I am not willing to part with my Leer Shell and its many benefits. Does the deflector work for me? Yes, after one year and 6K miles of towing, mostly in the serious mountains of Arizona, the fuel pump checks consistently confirm the Scan Gauge readouts. We have averaged 12.5 during that period and in so doing have often seen 13 mpg. Will it work for others? Perhaps, it depends on how/where you are able to install it, how well you align the deflector with the leading edge of the top of the trailer and how you choose to drive.

Will it be cost effective? It depends on how much you tow. As noted I broke even at around 6K miles/one year. After that year of use the deflector, for all intents and purposes remains "As New", as there is really nothing to wear out. In all fairness I must admit that it does take almost two minutes to mount and around one to remove so I guess you would need to include your labor when looking at "Actual" costs. :B

[jims1]

Properly adjusted, the bug line is off the front of the 5'er.

[pianotuna]

Hi,

I believe that there is a truck camper with the avatar of Sleepy who has an air foil device on his truck camper. It apparently works well.

[rhingst]

The people who believe this works real well are the same people that believe you get better fuel mileage driving with your tailgate down.

[PFitt]

I have ex-cab sb towing 12' high 5th wheel useing this style deflector. http://manage.ultra-fabproducts.com/images/pdfs/35-946200.pdf still setting height above cab to as little a gap as possible. I picked up 1+ MPG. I found my unit on crigslist for $200 need to be cleaned and repainted the frame. I think it works good.

[Desert_Captain]

pianotuna wrote:
Hi Desert,

Where did you get yours?

www.IconDirect.com