Aerodynamic Mods to Improve Fuel Economy

[River-Runner]

I've been reading a couple of forums with ideas on aerodynamic mods to increase fuel efficiency. Two examples below:



Fuel Economy, Hypermiling, EcoModding News and Forum - EcoModder.com

GasSavers.org - Helping You Save at the Pump



It appears that moderate increases in highway fuel efficiency, maybe 10% to 15%, may be available with some relatively simple mods like bigger front air dams, mirror mods and other ways to clean up air flow.



All of the big road trucks appear to have invested in similar mods. The web sites above talk about aerodynamic canopy designs that add up to 1-2 mpg on trucks similar to ours. They also talk about adding a bigger air dam under the front bumper. 2 mpg would make a big difference in my fuel cost and the capital investment might be considerably less than engine mods.



Has anyone got any experience with aerodynamic mods on a CTD? Any pictures and/or experience with mileage increases?

 

[MA2LA]

well in a way I do, When I had my 99 I started the switch from the normal front to the sport and with just the front bumper change I notice my mileage got better. I would say it was around 1 mpg better. Now some will call me out on it but right after I got the bumper I made a trip I had made many many times and I got 19. 5 mpg and that was running almost 80 for 500miles proir to that the best I had gotten was mid 17 . And one of the rags just did a little thing on this topice doing some odd things but they worked.

 

[River-Runner]

well in a way I do, When I had my 99 I started the switch from the normal front to the sport and with just the front bumper change I notice my mileage got better. I would say it was around 1 mpg better. Now some will call me out on it but right after I got the bumper I made a trip I had made many many times and I got 19. 5 mpg and that was running almost 80 for 500miles proir to that the best I had gotten was mid 17 . And one of the rags just did a little thing on this topice doing some odd things but they worked.

Do you remember which magazine had the article? The hardest part for me was trying to evaluate how much a certain mod would add to fuel mileage.



Thanks.

 

[Beast2B]

I saw an article as well. Don't remember whick mag, but it was either Diesel Power or Diesel World.

 

[River-Runner]

well in a way I do, When I had my 99 I started the switch from the normal front to the sport and with just the front bumper change I notice my mileage got better. I would say it was around 1 mpg better. Now some will call me out on it but right after I got the bumper I made a trip I had made many many times and I got 19. 5 mpg and that was running almost 80 for 500miles proir to that the best I had gotten was mid 17 . And one of the rags just did a little thing on this topice doing some odd things but they worked.

So what was the difference with the front ends? Was there a bigger, extended air dam or was there less open air passage into the radiator? I mean if a guy could jerry-rig a slightly bigger air dam under the front bumper and/or block off a small portion of the grill to clean up the air flow - AND - then yield a minimum 1 MPG improvement - that is huge on our trucks with minimum investment. If I originally get an avg. of 15. 5 MPG and I realize a 1 MPG improvement, that is 6. 5% savings. Much better than a sharp stick in the eye!

 

[MA2LA]

the sport had a lower and better shaped bumper cover. i want to say the mag was diesel power and thier test truck was a second gen 12 valve dualy they are playing with. the key to the sport bumper i belive was making the air go around to the sides or up ove the truck instead of going under neath where there is alot of turbulance

 

[River-Runner]

I saw an article as well. Don't remember whick mag, but it was either Diesel Power or Diesel World.

Here is the link to Diesel Power:



1997 Dodge Ram 3500 Dualie Cummins - Diesel Power Magazine



They didn't do anything spectacular and got great results.



River-Runner

 

[courierdog]

here are a few articles on the web
http://www.cummins.com/na/pdf/en/products/truck/MPG_Secrets_Whitepape.pdf
updated FAQ on Ram MPG improvement (long)
Did you Know
Fuel Economy Calculator (simulation software program estimates MPG improvements from vehicle-engine modifications)
Gas Mileage Comments

 

[DodgeWarlock]

After reading that article I tried a few things on our 01. Back to back weekends on same trip. Taped over grille, folded mirrors and did not exceed 2000rpm unless unavoidable. Mileage went up almost 2mpg. Tried it the next week on regular work commute and saw no change. It would appear that it only makes a noticeable difference at speeds in excess of about 55. Saw a max of about a 5* temp increase, but did not have a transmission temp guage so I peeled off the tape for now, but am considering some kind of removable cover after installing Juice w/Attitude.

 

[GSatler]

Remove Bug Deflector Works 65 Mph Saved 1 Mpg