Aeroshield Wind Deflector

[RVluvin]

I'm continplating purchasing one of these. My 5er is an 05 and not very aero dynamic up front like many of the newer 5ers are. I have 3 concerns: Will I recoupe money spent ($385 w/ tax) on gas saved? Can it be stollen very easy with just a razor blade, just cut the straps and go? Will the straps destroy the rubber doorseal on my 07 Silverado? If you have one, or have had one, I am very interested in your oppinion.

Thanks!!

[OSP1268]

For what it is worth. About 3 or 4 years ago there was a test on those on TV (Myth Busters) and the out come was not very good. It didn't increase the gas mileage significantly, but it did help keep bugs off the front of the 5th wheel. It seems they work better on a semi-tractor trailer outfit because the deflector is closer to the trailer. I was thinking about getting one when we had our 5th wheel and after watching the Myth Busters show decided against it.
You may get some ideas from some of the others on the site here as over the past couple of years they may have possibly improved the design. We no longer have a 5th wheel. We now have a motor home and the mileage is not that great, but it serves our purpose.

[ridahog]

You answered the theft question yourself. Razor blades are a dime a dozen to cut a piece of cloth. I did read a thread on here or another post and most of them said you should just save your money.

[Ray,IN]

I spoke to a man who mounted his wind deflector on a metal frame that was bolted into the front stake-pockets. This put the deflector closer to the 5er cap. He said it did improve his fuel mileage a little bit. He also said it might pay for itself in 10 or more years.
Personally I decided not to buy one for reasons already assigned.

[shortlance]

Quote:

Originally Posted by OSP1268 For what it is worth. About 3 or 4 years ago there was a test on those on TV (Myth Busters) and the out come was not very good. It didn't increase the gas mileage significantly, but it did help keep bugs off the front of the 5th wheel. It seems they work better on a semi-tractor trailer outfit because the deflector is closer to the trailer. I was thinking about getting one when we had our 5th wheel and after watching the Myth Busters show decided against it. You may get some ideas from some of the others on the site here as over the past couple of years they may have possibly improved the design. We no longer have a 5th wheel. We now have a motor home and the mileage is not that great, but it serves our purpose.

The very same thing I was going to say.

[TXiceman]

As noted, they work great as a bug shield and do very little for aerodynamics. There is a lot that has to go in to the design to get the max out of a deflector. The air flow over the front of the truck, the gap between the deflector and the trailer.

About the only thing the air deflectors are efficient at is removing the money from your pocket and depositing the elsewhere.

Ken

[mhs4771]

From what I've read you just about need a wind tunnel so that the deflector could be adjusted to the exact angle to maybe help. A little off one way or another any you may end up hurting your present mileage. Then again it might help your mileage, as your back pocket would be a little lighter.

[ALSAN]

the gap between truck and trl on a semi has to be 2 ft or closer for it to draft, so seeing that a 5ver sits alot farther from the truck I dont think it will pay

[Trent McCain]

I was the "sucker" and bought one! LOL!. Purchased to install on my 2008 F150 crew-cab pulling a sweet old 1991 29ft Excel 5th wheel. Before I got a chance to install it, I upgraded to a 2009 F350 crew cab diesel. Only pulled once with it, and it did keep the bugs off the trailer, question if it helped mileage at all. Tried to sell it and couldn't give it away. Ended up selling the 1991 Excel, as we've determined our family likes camping and we wish to purchase a newer larger coach. So I really don't have any accurate information yet! Have the deflector in storage now. Probably will give it another try when we purchase a new coach. Camping World had them for $285 w free shipping...so I didn't get hurt bad, but wished I'd have researched it more before purchasing.

[Arch Hoagland]

I think I'd put that $385 in the gas tank.

[Trent McCain]

I agree put your money somewhere else. I operate a small trucking company, so making fuel mileage is important to me. The easiest and most effective way to do that is just slow down....best thing is it doesn't cost you a thing! Your return on investment will be far greater than anything you'll purchase.

[jeffreyj]

I own one. I got it from my Father and I installed it on my truck. It looks cool but does very little if any to help. The problem is they are too far away from the trailer. If you look at Semi's they are very close to the trailer. I would save my money.

[Franka548]

I have a deflector that was made for a TT rather than a 5er, it is only about 2 or 2 1/2 foot tall. I gained about 1/2 to 3/4 mpg. the bugs hit about 1/2 way up the front. If I stand it up so the bugs miss the 5er, I loose the mpg gain. As far as the hooks go, mine has been on for 4 years with no problems. I think if you get the deflector that is made for the 5er, the drag outweighs the areo because of the height. I have talked to people that have the taylor wing or something similar and they all swear by them, but I cannot tell you 1st hand about that. As far as the theft part, if someone wants it, htey are going to get it one way or another. Mine has been on for 4 years, I don't take it off. If you have any questions, PM me.

Frank