Air Tabs

[kenrhilbert]

Looking at AD regarding a product called AirTabs. Claims to improve handling and gas milage. Has anyone used this product and how did it live up to its hype. I have not seen any on RVs or tractor trailers during my travels.

[wolfe10]

They stick to the coach with double sided tape. They will come off as would any double sided tape.

[rgatijnet1]

bluwtr49 wrote:
I hadn't thought about trying to paint them myself. Either white or black would stick out like a sore thumb but a spray paint might do it if I could get a color match. Something to look into.

Are the tab easily removable???

Mine have been on for several years and I don't think they are easily removable. The 3M double sided tape is very good at bonding the AirTabs to a clean surface.
Not sure why you would want to remove them other than to move them to another vehicle. In that case, I think it would be easier to just shell out the $200 for a new set.

[bluwtr49]

I hadn't thought about trying to paint them myself. Either white or black would stick out like a sore thumb but a spray paint might do it if I could get a color match. Something to look into.

Are the tab easily removable???

[wolfe10]

bluwtr49 wrote:
The technology looks interesting and might be worth a try but the cost of installation and painting to match the coach is a tough nut.....probably 3K or so.

Dick,

Krylon Fusion Paint works very well on them. And, with the selection of colors they offer, you can get VERY close for a couple of bucks.

Installation is certainly an easy do it yourself. Comes with a gig for spacing.

But, would be happy to install them for you for $3k!

[rgatijnet1]

bluwtr49 wrote:
The technology looks interesting and might be worth a try but the cost of installation and painting to match the coach is a tough nut.....probably 3K or so.

If you don't mind black or white, there is no painting and the installation by the owner only takes a few hours using the supplied template. Just clean the surface and stick them to the coach with the pre-applied double sided tape.

[IAMICHABOD]

I have them on my Class C,they do nothing for mileage but do a great job in stability and cross winds and keeping the rear of the RV clean.

Air tabs
Also a few threads on the subject.

HERE

And HERE

[rgatijnet1]

MountainAir05 wrote:
Had them on Military aircraft that I worked on but can see how you are going to get that fast on a land Vehicle.

I don't know of too many vortec generators on any aircraft that are designed for high speed. Most are designed to improve the low speed performance, such as decreasing the stall speed, or improving the lift, by improving the air flow over the wings.

[bluwtr49]

The technology looks interesting and might be worth a try but the cost of installation and painting to match the coach is a tough nut.....probably 3K or so.

[MountainAir05]

Had them on Military aircraft that I worked on but can see how you are going to get that fast on a land Vehicle.

[Effy]

Two Jayhawks wrote:

kenrhilbert wrote:
Looking at AD regarding a product called AirTabs. Claims to improve handling and gas milage. Has anyone used this product and how did it live up to its hype. I have not seen any on RVs or tractor trailers during my travels.

If you haven't seen them on tractor trailers you haven't been looking very hard as I see them all the time. They would never be seen on my motorhome as I don't drive it 100,000 miles a year so it would be silly. Also I am not fond of the look but to each his own.

Can't say I've seen more than a handful of OTR trucks with them.

[Two_Jayhawks]

kenrhilbert wrote:
Looking at AD regarding a product called AirTabs. Claims to improve handling and gas milage. Has anyone used this product and how did it live up to its hype. I have not seen any on RVs or tractor trailers during my travels.

If you haven't seen them on tractor trailers you haven't been looking very hard as I see them all the time. They would never be seen on my motorhome as I don't drive it 100,000 miles a year so it would be silly. Also I am not fond of the look but to each his own.

[Dick_B]

The quickest way to answer the question is to search this Forum for either airtabs or air tabs.

[rgatijnet1]

I've had them on two coaches and would put them on a third. They do help keep the toad and rear of the coach cleaner and they help the stability on the highway and in windy conditions. If they improve mileage, I can't say since I don't keep track of my fuel mileage. I bought them for the handling improvement, not for any slight increase in mileage they may offer. For the cost of lees than a tank of fuel, I felt they are worth the cost.
Personally I have seen them on quite a few vehicles. Most people are not looking for them and since they can be painted to match the color of the rig, they go unnoticed.