Wing Experiances

[WOT]

I'm thinking about getting a wing (Taylor wing) to use when I pull my 5th Wheel. Really getting tired of scraping the bugs off the nose. Can anyone give me any input on if they help out in other ways (more MPG, etc). Also, anyone know of a less expensive (but still good) type? Guess I'm struggling with a $650 price tag!



TIA!

 

[BigMike]

I've heard varying opinions on the effectiveness of these things. I don't have one. I see a lot of people pulling 5er's and very few of them have wings. That must mean something!

 

[Dkevdog]

I do have one- the Taylor Stainless oversize. They are pretty much the best, IMO, they are built very well. I have NOT seen much of an increase in economy, it hasn't been more than . 5 MPG. Cerrtainly not the 10% they "guarantee". I don't know anyone who has, either. HOWEVER... ..... I have noticed a significant increase in performance and handling. The truck doesn't buck, and you don't feel the trailer tugging on the truck. It also seems to handle better in crosswind situations too. And yes the front of the fiver stays MUCH cleaner. Adjusting it is probably the hardest part, and will make the greatest difference in handling and economy.



Would I do it over again?? Probably not, it was a pretty pricey item, although it does look . One thing to note though- you'll want to remove it for Solo driving because it will cost you a few MPG's versus running empty without one . It's not too tuff to do and I've gotten to where I only need minimal help getting it on and off.



Also- Check the classieds here - there's aused one available and the price is good. Might make that decision a bit easier to make .



Kev

 

[WOT]

Thanks for the input... .



I wonder if the air-tab things mounted on a wedge shaped part on the roof would keep the bugs in check? I could probably build a wedge to mount them on & paint it to match the truck. I'm thinking 6 or 8 airtabs and a little light work with the metal brake would be much cheaper!

 

[Okie-Go]

I have one. After you get over the price you won't tow without it. I would do it again. Truck just seems more stable and it does look cool. I thought after a 5000 mile trip with the 5er it would help pay for itself. That is just one summer and not to mention all the weekend trips we pull the trailer. I have the oversized stainless steel model. They have a gaurantee if you don't like it they will buy it back after you have tried it. That's what sold me on it.

 

[Sarge]

I had a fiberglass wing on my truck when I was towing a 26' TT. It was mounted on the shell I had on my truck at the time. And yes, it did make a big difference with both MPG and handling. With my 5ver now though I do not have it anymore. Most posts I have read where the wing was used with a 5ver, little or no benifit was claimed. Must have to do with the aerodynamics of the 5ver. It probably wont hurt your MPG, but it will take quite a while to pay for itself. It comes down to choice, if you like it, it's worth it. Sarge