Trailer wind deflectors

[Randy]

I recently bought a 26' 5th wheel. The weight is not a problem. The wind drag is a concern. Does anyone have experience with these wing type deflectors to deflect the wind over the top of tall trailers? I have been told you can gain up to 2 mpg if you use one, I get 12 now, but 14 would be great! Which one would you recomend? I have looked into the Taylor Wing that mounts on the bed rails, they are priced about $500. Any information would help. Thanks. Randy

 

[Midnight]

Randy i too am interested in the mpg increase with the wind deflectors. But what i have heard from some is that they dont think that they make much difference. Others have said they use them because they look cool. Thats big bucks just to look cool. I hope others that have them will respond.

 

[Crackerjake]

Taylorwing

I've got a wing and at the most 1/2 to 1 mile per gallon is the increase in mileage. What I have noticed is that there is an increase in stability when meeting a semi on a two-lane and in gusty winds. It is a lot of money for one, but I've been pleased. So I guess it's a personal preference. What ever you do I wouldn't mount it to the cab top unless you plan on keeping the truck forever!

 

[Okie-Go]

I have one and wouldn't take my money back for it 1. 5 times unless I could get another one. I helped my mileage, trailer more stable and keeps a bunch of bugs off. Oh yea, it does look neat I think. www.taylorwings.com You can order one, I have the bed mount not the cab mount. If you use it for 90 days and don't help your mileage by 10-20 % they will give your money back to you. I don't know how to post a picture but I can e-mail a picture if you like. I have the oversized stainless steel one.

 

[DMcGalliard]

Wind deflectors

Hello to all,



Several years ago we pulled our 13k 5th wheel 10k miles from NC

west to Cal, north to Wa across northern US back to NC. I had installed a wing and that I tried in all the different settings, all kinds of driving conditions. Conclusions: It was more trouble than the small savings was worth, some cases it reduced the MPG. Most 5 wheel fronts provide help with the wind lift and the wing gets in the way. I will admit that the wing does help with a TT.



I put mine in the barn and that is where is now. Spent your money on the transmission or more power.



98. 5/3500/4x4/auto/VA/boost mod/BD vb and tc/new thermostat



davem

 

[CGoyette]

a simple cost analyisis tells me its will take 20,000 to 25000 Towed miles to pay for a taylor wing... . 178-253 dollars saved per 10000 miles towed depending on cost per gallon a 2 MPG increase was used( a 1 mpg is more like reality and as such cut the numbers above in half making it 40K-50K towed to pay for it)



do the math if your looking for MPG increase for a cost savings your wasting your money unless you tow allot then it makes sence



If your looking for a Cool looking attachment for your truck ok I guess



If your looking for stability Buy a better hitch.



Curt

 

[RHARVEY]

Wingmaster

I bought one from a friend of mine just before we took our trip to Arkansas. To get some more information I called Wingmaster on how to set it up correctly for best results. The tech. told me how to set it up and what to expect as far as less drag and helpful with strong side wind. Let me tell you... it works!!!! We did get it at a good price, but I will tell you this, if you tow it would be worth the cost just for the what it does with the side winds. We hit some real bad winds in New Mexico(I40) and it did exactly what he told me it would..... Here is a picture of mine...



Rick

 

[Wiredawg]

Works for me!

I tow a 15K Lb 5th wheel and have never towed without my wing. Here's my theory:



1. The truckers use 'em

2. Keeps lots of bugs off front of trailer

3. Looks cool.

4. Saves fuel?



So, with all that said, the only thing I'd do different is get a stainless steel one vice the aluminum one I have.



Cheers, Wiredawg

 

[**ICEMAN**]

got mine just cause it looked "COOL". i dont think they make a wing large enough to compensate for the fuel the powermax3 sucks up. then again,,mpg is not an issue of mine.

 

[Batman]

RHarvey

Was that pic taken at a rest stop on I40? It looks like the same rest are I stopped at a couple of years ago.

BTW, nice rig. Like the wing too.