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Old 12-21-2014, 07:04 PM   #21
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Originally Posted by Nighthawk 96 View Post
My towing mileage went from an average of 8.5 to a little over 10 mpg when I added a cap to the back of my truck. I think cap causes less air to hit the front of the trailer.
I tow at 65 mph or less.
That fits my experience as well. I've towed many medium sized travel trailers and 5th wheels. My fuel mileage averaged better with the 5th wheels. I assumed it was because the square part front of the 5th wheel trailer was close to the back of my truck. With the 5th wheel, there was certainly more 'frontal area.' Also, I have a long shank that puts a travel trailer back even further than usual; maneuverability is helped, but the penalty IMO is increased wind resistance.
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Old 03-25-2015, 06:46 PM   #22
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Sooooo, Heres a pic of my rig on my Fla. trip last week. I wonder if I had a 14' boat instaed of the 12' and propped it up a few feet with a 2x4 stand, if it would "split" the wind a bit before it hit the front of the trailer . Or even with the 12.. (and yes I have to adjust the WDH a bit)
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Old 03-26-2015, 05:46 AM   #23
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I have asked the same questions on several forums about wind deflectors etc. and basically received the same answers...Not worth it!

But, to be honest, I have a friend on one of those forums who uses one and says he gets upward of 1+ better mpg. The majority is NO though.
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Old 03-26-2015, 05:55 AM   #24
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Yeah, thats why I thought it would be nice if I could achieve some benefit from something I'll have with me anyway. I think a bit longer boat sitting up higher at the bow (3'or so) might do something. Oh well, I guess I'll just forget it and hope fuel stays reasonable this summer.
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Old 03-26-2015, 06:13 AM   #25
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Or buy one and try it. If it does not work you can always sell it.

They still sell those toppers that the rear of the topper was higher than front? Looked like it would work like a deflector.
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Old 03-26-2015, 06:27 AM   #26
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Well I have to believe aerodynamics play a roll but how much on your average camping journey I don't know. when you look at semi trailers and trucks it is evident with the top of the tractor they want to get the wind up and around the trailer, then they have the lower deflectors on the trailers now to divert air around the back axles of the trailer and you are seeing more of them with the rear deflectors on the trailer doors. Is it all for aerodynamics or to help keep air from getting under the trailer or both? I have noticed on my truck with a cap that even when I have my v nose car hauler attached it buffets the wind coming off the back of the cap and causes it to eventually turn the handle and unlock my cap door and then it starts to blow up from time to time. I recently got an air spoiler off of a semi that I have cut down to width and raked back that I am going to try on my cap and see what happens ... I will let you know.. driving 600 miles yesterday in 20 to 30 mph winds with my car hauler behind me fuel economy went in the dumps , that much I am sure of
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Old 03-26-2015, 07:29 AM   #27
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In formulas that deal with effect of drag (air resistance) velocity is squared. Changes in surface area or shape can have some affect on efficiency but reducing speed will always win over shape changes.
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Old 03-26-2015, 07:30 AM   #28
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Maybe the left over bits from the semi spoiler could be used as 'side' tabs on the pickup cap?
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Old 03-26-2015, 10:22 AM   #29
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When we were in the process of changing from a TT to a 5W, someone told me that the 5W would have less wind resistance because it would be partly over the bed and closer to the cab. Don't know if it was, but between towing the TT to the dealer and towing the 5W back home, it sure seemed to pull easier despite the additional weight. Hard to tell though just towing 30 miles. Guess we'll find out in May.
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Old 03-26-2015, 11:36 AM   #30
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When we were in the process of changing from a TT to a 5W, someone told me that the 5W would have less wind resistance because it would be partly over the bed and closer to the cab. Don't know if it was, but between towing the TT to the dealer and towing the 5W back home, it sure seemed to pull easier despite the additional weight. Hard to tell though just towing 30 miles. Guess we'll find out in May.
Makes sense to me.
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Old 03-28-2015, 03:35 PM   #31
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Just saw this....Installation Video | Aeroplus | Wind Deflectors | Trailer Accessories | Purple Line
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Old 03-28-2015, 03:38 PM   #32
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Originally Posted by rryman View Post
When we were in the process of changing from a TT to a 5W, someone told me that the 5W would have less wind resistance because it would be partly over the bed and closer to the cab. Don't know if it was, but between towing the TT to the dealer and towing the 5W back home, it sure seemed to pull easier despite the additional weight. Hard to tell though just towing 30 miles. Guess we'll find out in May.
I agree also...I got about 12-13mpg towing a 24' TT (5-6,000 lbs). I received the same or better mpg when I went to my 31' 5er (8-10k lbs).
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