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Old 08-28-2018, 09:08 AM   #1
Chris P
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Air deflectors on tow vehicle

Has anyone used a air detector on their t v ? Used to see them all the time but not any more,I know they are available but not sure if they are worth it?
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Old 08-28-2018, 09:15 AM   #2
mfifield01
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I don't have the answer, but I saw one on Sunday. It was on a truck pulling a really tall enclosed trailer.
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Old 08-28-2018, 09:30 AM   #3
66joej
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I have heard that if the air deflector is not angled properly it will actually increase fuel usage instead of saving. The improper angle causes a downdraft between the truck and trailer. YMMV
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Old 08-28-2018, 09:40 AM   #4
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Rooftop air deflectors are only a part of an overall package. If you look at the commercial fleet you'll find rooftop deflectors being used in conjunction with under trailer airflow systems and trailer rear wall airfoils. All three, when used together improve overall aerodynamics. When used alone, each part of the system offers only some improvement.

From the reports I've read, it looks like using a tow vehicle roof air deflector can, in some situations, improve fuel mileage a bit. How much? For most people, not enough to pay for the lost time installing, adjusting and maintaining the system.

The reason it works in the commercial fleet is the "millions of miles" that it's used when compared to the overall cost to use it. When you install it and drive 500K miles before taking it off, the cost is different than when you install it and drive 100 miles, then take it off until next weekend.

For most, it's a "gimmick" that looks good, has good intentions, but just doesn't pan out in actual use. Most wind up in the spring garage sale or in the dumpster when a strap breaks and the replacement costs more than just leaving it home this trip......
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Old 08-28-2018, 09:43 AM   #5
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That explains why we don't see many on the road, Camping would sell one for around 300. From the reviews I've read like you mentioned hardly worth the effort.
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Old 08-28-2018, 12:45 PM   #6
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I considered getting one of those in the past and I did a lot of reading about them. It seems that the biggest problem is the size of the gap between the deflector and the front of the trailer. If you look at the commercial trucks that John mentioned you will see that deflector to trailer gap is much smaller and is therefore more effective at smoothing the air flow and thus reducing the drag between the truck and trailer. The commercial trucking industry was using the air deflectors for many years before they started adding the other devices to the trailers.

I have also read that if you get the angle just right the deflector will help keep bugs off the front of the trailer. But that angle is not always the optimum for smoothing the air flow between the truck and trailer. YMMV.
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Old 08-28-2018, 04:40 PM   #7
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I used an air deflector on my 2000 gas 454 dually CC 3500 Silverado. This truck was really stressed while pulling a 13,000 lbs fifth wheel. The pin was light as well. All that meant that it would develope a major chucking problem and the driveline was always pulling hard. I decided to try the deflector not for fuel mileage but to upset the balance(or lack thereof) which was excaserbating the chucking. By transferring some of the drag from the front of the fiver, to the tow vehicle, I think I was successful. There was an added side effect that bugs were pushed up and over the front of the fiver.

When I upped the game to a 2004.5 Duramax/Allison CC Dually 3500 Silverado, I transferred the roof deflector and was very pleased with the bug situation(or lack thereof) on the fiver. However, the chucking situation was never a problem with this combination.

Now with the F450 and the Fuzion, I no longer use the roof deflector. I’ll be honest in that I’m curious what the result would be using it but I don’t feel it would provide any benefit other than pushing debris up and over the front cap. The company which makes it is no longer in business and I can no longer by a mounting kit for it.
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