Wind resistance
Thread Starter
|
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 5,860
Likes: 4
From: Metro Detroit (Redford)
Wind resistance
My trailer stands about 7.5 feet tall and weighs about 2000 lb loaded. Pulling with my F150 300 I6 is fine, but in a headwind I have a hard time maintaining 70 MPH. If I purchase a cap for the truck would it improve the aerodynamics enough to be worth the cost? I currently have a tonneau cover.
New User
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
Wind resistance
When you say cap you mean the aerodynamic banana shaped roof ornament? :P As tall as that trailor is and guessing that the shape is a basic square i would say most definetly...make sure that the top of the cap is about even with the top of the trailor height wise
Thread Starter
|
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 5,860
Likes: 4
From: Metro Detroit (Redford)
Wind resistance
I was afraid that a cap would be the solution. I have never liked caps. They spoil the look of the truck--makes it look like an SUV--and makes it harder to see out. My only other option would be some performance mods. I understand a performance computer chip would give about a 15 hp boost.
New User
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
Wind resistance
There will also be aerodynamic drag from the back end profile as well. Just remember that the air resistance increases as the CUBE of velocity. So a little speed difference makes a big difference in drag. Course you might get run over on some freeways!
Thread Starter
|
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 5,860
Likes: 4
From: Metro Detroit (Redford)
Wind resistance
I took a much longer trip (6,000 miles) and found that the truck adjusted (computer?) to the load and actually ran quite well. Seemed to improve a couple hundred miles out, though in the area from Detroit, Michigan, to Des Moines, Iowa, the engine light would occasionally come on. Then after that it never came on all the way through Yellowstone and Rocky Mountain National Park until that same stretch on the return trip. Seems my truck likes higher altitudes, but it is not a high altitude truck. Vin search shows truck was originally bought in Detroit, Michigan, area.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
1979F350/460
1973 - 1979 F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
1
Nov 9, 2012 05:50 PM
mybigredford
1999 - 2003 7.3L Power Stroke Diesel
11
Feb 21, 2008 09:12 PM
