52 replies to this topic

[57Pan]

What are people doing for mods if any for wind noise or fuel economy? On my Toyota Tacoma with ATC Bobcat I have a large gap over the cab. I’m thinking some kind of wind deflector would be useful.

[Bosque Bill]

You will find this topic has been discussed a number of times before. If you can't find those threads using the WTW search, I suggest using Google and add "site:wanderthewest.com" to your search terms (without the quotes) that's way more effective.

 

FWIW I use the standard Yakima deflector on my Tacoma and it works quite well.

[goinoregon]

You will find this topic has been discussed a number of times before. If you can't find those threads using the WTW search, I suggest using Google and add "site:wanderthewest.com" to your search terms (without the quotes) that's way more effective.

 

FWIW I use the standard Yakima deflector on my Tacoma and it works quite well.

hmmm, what is a yakima deflector?  do u use on camper roof to deflect airflow from solar?  or on cab roof, to deflect from front of camper??

[Bosque Bill]

https://yakima.com/products/windshield

 

 

[Taku]

Have the same thing on our 05 Tundra and ATC Ocelot. built an aluminum deflector, used it for two years. Took it off, no change in mpg. But I rarely drive over 65.

[BlueSky]

Seems like no matter what you do to smooth out a camper profile the mpg just won't budge nearly as much as it does when you drive slower.  I guess this is why semi-trucks all go about 68-70 mph.  65 mph is a good spot, but I often find myself saying "screw it" on the way home and do 70.  Pulling a trailer is even worse on mpg.

[Thevulture]

I have a Yakima wind deflector too. Didn't do anything for mpg, but keeps most bugs out from that hard to clean area behind the cab. 

[fuzzymarindave]

I made one for my previous rig (F150 + 2006 Hawk) because the gap between the top of cab and camper seemed too much.  My current rig has a smaller gap and I use the windshield as a deflector.  Works pretty good at subsonic speeds.

[joez3]

I read an article about all the aerodynamic mods made on big rigs. At best these help fuel mileage increase by  1-2%. So on one truck you might not notice it, but when you have a fleet of 1000 trucks it starts to pay off. 

[michelle_east_county]

"I read an article about all the aerodynamic mods made on big rigs. At best these help fuel mileage increase by 1-2%. So on one truck you might not notice it, but when you have a fleet of 1000 trucks it starts to pay off."

Another article said testing often showed small benefits under certain conditions, but throw in variables like a crosswind or wind from an oblique direction and things like fairings, skirting, or air tabs may or may not help mileage. So, we can all give these things a try, but they may or may not help in all conditions.

Edited by michelle_east_county, 26 June 2021 - 08:06 AM.