Another airfoil option

skipro3 wrote:
I could flex my bed/cab enough just getting out of my driveway to get that bar to hit my cabover. Keep an eye out so you don't damage anything...

The airfoil itself is flexible and is sitting ~ 1" from the TC.

The cross bar (rigid) is ~ 3" from the TC...if it hits when porpoising it only takes a minute to remove the whole thing and toss it inside.
I also have some room to move it forward a bit which will increase clearance...and also decrease (?) the effectiveness of the foil as the gap will also increase.

Stay tuned.

B

I could flex my bed/cab enough just getting out of my driveway to get that bar to hit my cabover. Keep an eye out so you don't damage anything...

It doesn't look like you have enough clearance.

I wonder if it would be anymore effective mounted to the camper nose in lieu of the truck?

It certainly looks like it did it's intended purpose, which is to make money for the maker and seller.

bobndot wrote:
KK , I think one of our members uses an inflatable twin mattress. But i would be check to be careful about the paint rubbing off.

One other thing Bill .....if this does work and you gain MPG, then you know that DW's use this is ammo , an excuse for a less expensive trip ..... to take more girlfriend trips .
This means you stay home become the cook and housekeeper for a spell . Out come your clothes and in go hers .
I guess it doesn't matter , you still like to backpack :B

Hey Bob, to be honest I am spending more time in tents lately...the Scouts keep me busy (and sleeping on the ground)!

Have not tried it yet, will report soon.

I have used the Thule windfoil when the TC is not on and it does not whistle (if installed correctly).
I expect that it will deflect air from getting trapped under the TC/between cab of truck..as opposed to "cutting through the air".
Bugs? Oh well...that's what the 303 is for...makes them easy to clean off.
I am concerned about porpoising...I have to make a short run to the sewer station here in town and dump my black tank before we go on trip...that will be the first test.
If it looks OK we will head on longer trip soon...and I will collect more data.
As I already had the Thule...I have been curious to try it with the TC...finally got around2it.

B

Wow! Thanks for doing that. The results will add to the common body of knowledge whether it works or not.
The airflow for truck campers is abysmal and this is one area sadly lacking in options.
Any improvement will help.

KK , I think one of our members uses an inflatable twin mattress. But i would be check to be careful about the paint rubbing off.

One other thing Bill .....if this does work and you gain MPG, then you know that DW's use this is ammo , an excuse for a less expensive trip ..... to take more girlfriend trips .
This means you stay home become the cook and housekeeper for a spell . Out come your clothes and in go hers .
I guess it doesn't matter , you still like to backpack :B

Any concern with close clearance and porpoising when you hit a depression in the road? Back in the mid 70's when I had a TC, they sold an inflatable device that went between truck cab roof and TC, haven't seen any of those around.

Hi Bill. Have you had a chance to road test it before you leave on the trip ? To make sure it does not howl . I think the Thule Aero howls, not sure about the one you have .

Are you doing this to reduce drag (MPG) or to reduce bugs on the camper ?

Im no engineer, but i think of a boat v nose design rather than a flat bow design , like a jon boat. I would think the v-nose would cut through the air better.
Im not sure the air foil will lower fuel consumption. It seems to my eye, that the foil will push air "up" to trap it against the cabover. If that's the case, i can't see that helping the MPG .
I hope it works, it would be a simple easy install . Like you said, the road test will tell .
Good luck and have a safe trip , Bob