Has anybody got any solid info that proves that a roof wind deflector, cab extensions, etc. will increase fuel mileage while towing?
If so, what brand components and where do we get them?

 

I don't know anyone on here that uses them. I would not put one on my truck because I heard that you can't take off fast with that on there, and I would probably blow the thing off. The wind can't keep up with me anyway, when I go down the road the wind kind of splits and lets me by.

The only thing this post is good for is a BUMP.

 

'nudder bump

I dunno, without yarn tufting and witnessing the tufts in action, I am at a loss for aero improvements unless somebody has a airplane drag modeling program with a data patch of our ford trucks and whatever it is you're towing.

OTOH, anything that would part the headwind or clean up the vortices in the back has just got to help.

 

I heard the wind deflectors are worth a few miles. But i doubt it. And folks argue on rv sites all the time about this. Some swear it does and some swear it don't. I thought about igetting one. The only thing that folks agree upon and which i nicked named it is "BUG DEFLECTOR" It will swing bugs up and over or flat out stick to the wing and is easier to clean. Keeping my RPM at 2000 was the best fuel economy for me. Doing so was better than any aero gismo. You drive slower and send me $400 for a wing. You get better mileage and I get a bug deflector. Sorry don't help you but that is just my opinion and offering a NUDDER BuMpEr. !

I run to Myrtle beach once a year. All out 70-80 mph. 10klbs 5th wheel. Speed was "get there in a hurry" 8 to 10 mpg. Use cruise and set to 65mph 2000 RPM.. 10-12mpg Saved me over $60 to $120 in fuel each way. And mapping out your route to avoid mountains helps also. Hills Kills..

 

Check post #16 here... https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/8...ml#post7215280

 

they make a difference on a big truck..I haul cars with a 8 car carrier..the first car on top needs to go on backwards..if its a SUV or something big and flat..you can feel the wind slow you down..I talked my Boss into putting one of them on and it made a big difference..it also keeps the cars cleaner from road salt and slush build up...I would think with a dig 5 er behind your PSD it would help out a lot..the rounded role back ones look a lot better and gives you the roof to stack stuff on so Its out of the wind.. ..but they don't fold down..
any time you can stop wind resistance is a big help to power and MPG..

 

Anytime you can keep the air out from under and flowing smoother around a vehicle the less effect it has on the engine. Less work, better milage. I have an '86 350 going through a radical makeover and many of the ideas came from the big boys like Freightliner, Kenworth and them. Even though it's a design as you go kind of thing, when I saw the prices of what is available, I decided I'd engineer my own. Hope to have some pics in the next week or two. After I finish the truck then I'll work on the trailer.