Wind deflectors

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Mar 13, 2019 | 01:49 PM

zell66

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Wind deflectors

We have some longer trips planed this year. I was thinking of purchasing a wind deflector to install on top of cab. I have read that a 2 to 4 MPG increase of using said product. What is the real world answer, Pros and cons?

Mar 13, 2019 | 02:09 PM

Irelands child

Fleet Mechanic

Joined: Nov 2005

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From: Upstate NY

Any mpg increase on trucks today using roof mounted wind deflectors is only in their dreams. Even as far back as 1081 my F350 showed exactly no increase in mpg and that gadget proved to be more trouble then it was worth. Most new 5ers and even TTs have rounded corners and flares to move air along, the truck has been wind tunnel tested and is about as good as it will get - recall that the EPA numbers count in the manufacturers numbers and will cost them sales possibly fines if they don't meet or beat the required numbers. Oh and trying to equate these add on deflectors with a semi - different beasts

Of course, others will differ :-}

Mar 13, 2019 | 02:47 PM

RV_Tech

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Joined: Jan 2010

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From: Bristol, TN.

Neighbor had one pulling his fiver. Used it twice and gave it away. Said it improved nothing. I have no first hand knowledge.

Mar 13, 2019 | 03:06 PM

HRTKD

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From: Wyoming

There's a guy on this forum that posted within the past 12 months about putting a deflector on when pulling a travel trailer. He did it specifically to improve the stability of towing and it helped. He also did a number of other stability-specific changes that resulted in a slight MPG improvement - far less than the 2 to 4 you're expecting. There were enough changes that the deflector couldn't receive all credit for the MPG gains.

I question the "savings" from a deflector. Before giving the least consideration to this I would add up the cost of the deflector and figure out how many miles would have to be driven to see a return on equity (ROI). Then look at what it might cost should you trade the truck in if the deflector requires permanent changes to the truck (screw holes for mounting brackets, etc) or causes wear marks on the finish. I doubt that the economics work out in favor of the deflector.

A deflector might be nice to keep the bugs off the front of the trailer but you're going to have to clean the bugs off the deflector anyhow. One way or another some elbow grease is involved.

Mar 15, 2019 | 11:37 PM

Army RET

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From: Alabama

Back in the early 90's my New England father in law added one to his (gasoline fueled) heavy chevy, for pulling a shorter length 5vr up/ down the eastern seaboard. I don't know if it helped with his MPGs but it sure looked (color matched) awesome. AND looks ought to be worth (southern slang) sumthin!

Now at 90+ he eventually gave both away to his first grandson.

Mar 16, 2019 | 09:32 AM

RA12726

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Useful on 18-wheelers where the back of the cab is close to the front of a squared-off trailer... not so with a pickup where the cab is much lower and farther away. They just create more turbulence (and clearance issues when not hitched up).

Rob