Air dam / valance under front bumper

[dezertcamper]

Over the weekend we went to Julian and stopped by the campground that we are members too. While in there I started to talk to a guy who we saw parking his RV earlier. I noticed his Winnebago had a air dam / valance under the front bumper. I asked him if that was something he installed or did it come with the RV.

He told me is was factory, but a year ago he bent it and so he pulled it off as it look bad. What he found was he lost about 1 mpg. I was surprised to hear that he lost mpg by taking it off. He said he ordered another one and the next trip he took the mileage was back. He also said his coach was running warmer then it did before. He said it was not close to overheating, but he did see the needle higher on the gauge. Just by looking at the air dam, I would guess it was 6inch tall and the width of the front end.

So my question to you is, Does your modal RV have a front valance? Or has anyone added one and notice any difference? I could see big benefits of having one. One it would reduce the air under the chassis helping with aero and possibly reduce a vortex from behind the grill area as you are eliminating the amount of air under the bumper grill area.

[DriVer]

Quote:

Originally Posted by dezertcamper So my question to you is, Does your modal RV have a front valance? Or has anyone added one and notice any difference? I could see big benefits of having one. One it would reduce the air under the chassis helping with aero and possibly reduce a vortex from behind the grill area as you are eliminating the amount of air under the bumper grill area.

dezeertcamper, For much the same reasons that we see front spoilers on race cars, front spoilers on large vehicles and trucks are essential. The spoiler cleans the front end as hides a number of under engine nooks and crannies from the airflow which allows the air to pass without creating a lot of drag.

A second benefit is that the spoiler creates a low pressure system under your engine compartment and actually pulls the hot air out of the engine compartment. This is the aero component that your were speaking about.

Third benefit is that it makes for a much cleaner presentation when looking at the vehicle.

[RoadRohrers]

DezertCamper,

Is there a way for you to take a photo and post in the forum. My Winnebago Sightseer has a lot of clearance from ground to bottom of bumper front edge. As my mileage is lacking from a previous, similar motorhome, I have often wondered if a air dam would be effective. Of course, if I build it the thing will look like a bad cow catcher on a steam locomotive.

Thanks

[dezertcamper]

Quote:

Originally Posted by RoadRohrers DezertCamper, Is there a way for you to take a photo and post in the forum. My Winnebago Sightseer has a lot of clearance from ground to bottom of bumper front edge. As my mileage is lacking from a previous, similar motorhome, I have often wondered if a air dam would be effective. Of course, if I build it the thing will look like a bad cow catcher on a steam locomotive. Thanks

Sorry I don't have any pictures as I saw this on a class A Winnebago at the camp ground. I'm not 100% sure, but I believe the modal of the coach was a Voyage? Like I posted I saw this guy parking his RV and noticed this spoiler/air dam. My Southwind does not have one and I have thought about building one. When I spoke to the owner in the club house he stated it was a factory piece. I forgot to ask if he was on a WH chassis or a Ford chassis, not that it should matter.

Maybe do a google search for Winnebago pictures and see if you can find one with the spoiler?

[DriVer]

Is this what you were looking at?????

Turbo Shield !!!

[dezertcamper]

That Turbo Shield looks hideous! But that is the concept of the one I saw. Like I was told it was a factory part that only hung down 6-8 inches and was the width of the front bumper area.

[RoadRohrers]

Thanks Driver. That is what I am looking for. Valid comment about being a curbfinder. As far as aesthetics, my MH is just a plain jane. A goatee beard won't hurt her appearance a bit.

[Rocky 2]

Desertcamper, you did not mention what year your 32V is. I have an 06 32VS and it came with the bottom spoiler. After the second time it started to rip off, I took it off the rest of the way and have not replaced it. I am sure you could order one if you wanted it.

[dezertcamper]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rocky 2 Desertcamper, you did not mention what year your 32V is. I have an 06 32VS and it came with the bottom spoiler. After the second time it started to rip off, I took it off the rest of the way and have not replaced it. I am sure you could order one if you wanted it.

Rocky, I have a 2003 Southwind 32VS, and we like it allot. My only complaint is the bathroom. 1 more foot would make a huge difference. Take 6 inches out of the bedroom and 6 out of the living area. Or better yet make the MH a 33 footer. Its not like it is really a 32 feet anyways. (32.10) But considering the only places we really use it at is the campground we are members too, the desert or a few river trips a year. It works great for us. Our farthest trip is only a few hours from home.

Thanks for the heads up that your 06 Southwind had a spoiler. With it gone to you notice any difference with MPG or engine temp?

[TandW]

I'm thinking that on a class A the spoiler should hang from the first cross-member, which would force some of the tramp air up into the radiator. This configuration would also help to keep the front brakes cool. What say you, Driver?

[Rocky 2]

I can't say that I noticed any particular difference but thn I was not on the lookout for a change. The mpg is likely the same but the air temperature may be different. I will pay more attention to it. Relying on the temp gauge on the dash is a joke so I will try to remember to mind the fan clutch with more attention.