Nose cones to help MPG

[robert9999]

Anyone ever install one of these to improve MPG's on your travel trailer?
https://www.nosecone.com/cargo-trailer-models.html

[bankr63]

Not specifically, but I expect they work. I noticed that I get markedly better mileage when I have our kayaks on the roof of the truck, despite the added weight. My theory is that the kayaks, being torpedo shaped, are deflecting the wind around the flat front of the trailer directly behind.

The question is, how much does this cost, and how many gallons of gas do you need to save to recoup the cost? They say 1-3mpg or 10% (highway) improvement, so how many gallons do you need to save to break even.

[Grumpy]

Originally Posted by bankr63

The question is, how much does this cost, and how many gallons of gas do you need to save to recoup the cost? They say 1-3mpg or 10% (highway) improvement, so how many gallons do you need to save to break even.

X-2 and the savings also depends on how fast you drive.

[robert9999]

Originally Posted by bankr63

Not specifically, but I expect they work. I noticed that I get markedly better mileage when I have our kayaks on the roof of the truck, despite the added weight. My theory is that the kayaks, being torpedo shaped, are deflecting the wind around the flat front of the trailer directly behind.

The question is, how much does this cost, and how many gallons of gas do you need to save to recoup the cost? They say 1-3mpg or 10% (highway) improvement, so how many gallons do you need to save to break even.

I have no idea what they cost.

If I tow 10,000 miles at 10mpg burns 1,000 gallons of gas. 1000 gallon at $2.50/gal =$2,500,
The same trip attaining 13 mpg burns 769 gallon =$1,922. $578 savings on a 10,000 mile trip. or 239 gallons less of gas needed. Of course that being figured on 65mph & flat roads with no head winds. My last trip of that magnitude I had averaged 11.2 MPG Coast to coast with an avg speed 60 mph. If I go past 65mph than I avg 10mpg's. weight of trailer & truck (F150) was 12,000lbs.

[robert9999]

On second thought it may be cheaper to get the two canoe's & mount them on top like you did. At least I can use out of them.

[Grumpy]

Originally Posted by robert9999

If I tow 10,000 miles at 10mpg burns 1,000 gallons of gas. 1000 gallon at $2.50/gal =$2,500,
The same trip attaining 13 mpg burns 769 gallon =$1,922. $578 savings on a 10,000 mile trip. or 239 gallons less of gas needed. Of course that being figured on 65mph & flat roads with no head winds. My last trip of that magnitude I had averaged 11.2 MPG Coast to coast with an avg speed 60 mph. If I go past 65mph than I avg 10mpg's. weight of trailer & truck (F150) was 12,000lbs.

I really doubt you will see 3 mpg increase that's 30% probably 1 mpg or less. I bought one of the large wind deflectors when we bought our 1st 5th wheel and only saw about 2/10ths at most. Only thing it really did was kept the bugs off the 5th wheel.

[bankr63]

Thought I would link to the photo of my rig set to hit the road:


Now the effect was more noticeable on with my previous TV (an SUV) that didn't sit as tall as the truck. But, the X19H is a pretty low trailer, so this would probably work better with a taller trailer and the pickup. Old setup:


Yes, I do like that my "air deflector" is very useful once we reach our destination!