Towing Roof Wing Aerodynamics

[BMancin]

I have noticed some trucks with a wing or air dam mounted on the roof or just behind the cab. I realize this helps air flow over the trailer. Question is, how much of an increase in terms of milage? Also, what is your experience if you have one, and where do you buy these? Thanks, Bill

 

[Todd T]

well i have a shortbed with no topper and i thought the wind would go around the sides and over the top right? WRONG! i put a stack on my truck and you can watch the smoke get sucked under the trailer like a giant shop vac was mounted to the tailgate. it doesnt break up the stream a bit out the stack and right down between the tailgate.



so my point is in order to disrupt enough air at the cab of the truck to push it up over the camper you would probably be defeating the purposes of the wing all together.



I think if you had a topper on the truck with the wing mounted at the rear of it you'd be money ahead. or shall we say miles!

 

[Timbeaux38]

I watched a truck with a big wing run 2nd in the Bracket racing at Indy... . they could'nt be all bad... .

 

[nps]

I watched a truck with a big wing run 2nd in the Bracket racing at Indy... . they could'nt be all bad... .

Does the wing add more power than a Banks sticker?

 

[pgleavitt]

Only if the sticker is attached to the wing.

 

[Forrest]

I had a 78' Ford Bronco with a 20' TT. I put on the wing, consistent 1. 5mpg increase. Not to mention no more bugs on the TT. Also, with the TT, I'd get sucked into the adjacent lane when passed by a big rig ... cut that waaay down.



When I get one for the truck & 5th wheel, I'll look at these guys:



http://www.taylorwings.com/rvwings.htm

 

[EricBu12]

I got the Ultra-fab spring loaded deflector...



When stopped, the deflector stands almost straight up for manuvering... . as you get like 40 mph, it lays back to make the angle... . there are adjustments... . I made the pics here like it would be when moving...



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The stored position when driving around town... .



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Later got it decorated to match the front of the trailer



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I get about 10 mpg towing my 36' toyhauler with 3 axles... . The front of the trailer is so big and if you use a smaller panel to "wedge" it through the air, I believe it does some good... .



It seems the Sq ft of the panel is like half the face of the trailer so in that respects, it makes like an invisible ramp, not only to the top, but to the sides as well... Anyway, seems to do good... anything is better than nothing...

 

[Smarshall]

It Helped On My 90

DIDN'T NOTICE TOO MUCH OF AN INPROVEMENT ON MILAGE BUT THE STABILITY WAS IMPROVED. WHEN YOU SET ONE UP, CHECK THE BUG LINE ON THE 5er AND ADJUST TO RAISE THE BUG LINE. DON'T THINK YOU CAN GET IT OVER THE TOP OF THE 5TH WHL. DON'T HAVE ONE ON MY 96.