MH spoiler and MPG increase

[LandHo]

I read about a spoiler or airstream vortex like device that was attached to each side of the MH near the rear sidewall. they were a series of curved fins that broke the smooth air along the side of the MH and is suppose to reduce the air drag. The article actually say they saw increased MPG. I think the article was in MH or Good Sam magazine more than 1 yr ago. Of course, I can't find the article and do not remember the name of this device, but saw it on a trailer the other day and was curious again. Anyone else remember this plastic looking thingee?

[George Schweikle]

They are "Air Tabs" originally developed in Australia for their trucking industry. Multiple small stick-ons similar to NACA-duct / vents. Claimed to increase stability and mileage. Someone at the 2008 Safari rally in Amana, Iowa had some installed on a Monaco Safari TREK. I think he claimed a small mileage increase and more stability while being passed by 18-wheeler trucks.

Quote:

Originally Posted by LandHo I read about a spoiler or airstream vortex like device that was attached to each side of the MH near the rear sidewall. they were a series of curved fins that broke the smooth air along the side of the MH and is suppose to reduce the air drag. The article actually say they saw increased MPG. I think the article was in MH or Good Sam magazine more than 1 yr ago. Of course, I can't find the article and do not remember the name of this device, but saw it on a trailer the other day and was curious again. Anyone else remember this plastic looking thingee?

[Theberrys]

This may have been the device you read about.
What are they?: Airtab
You can install them yourself and they look like these pictures.
RV Applications: Airtab

Dick

[Bill Adams]

Ain't we a gullible bunch!?!?!?!
No, they aren't going to do a dang thing, but there is some aeronautical engineer willing to risk his (lack of) reputation to tell you what a great thing this is. If you believe him then you must also believe all those commercial endorsements about being able to make a man "larger"!

[LandHo]

another website is buyairtab.com
thanks for the info. you guys are better (and faster) than me flipping thru my old magazines.

[DriVer]

I'd rather try one of these .... Turbo Shield

[Izzyblueye]

This "Turbo Shield" is an interesting system. Having raced on dirt tracks I know how much you want to keep that air out from under the car. I have looked at the other system carefully and decided it would be more trouble than a solution.

[George Schweikle]

I think the Airtabs and Turboshield are valid concepts - not snake oil. Don't forget the long haul truckers put many more miles on their vehicles than most of us. A very small MPG increase, multiplied by lots of miles can be cost effective. Just look at the now popular aerodynamic bodywork behind and on top of the truck cabs; they don't do this just because it might look good.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Homer This "Turbo Shield" is an interesting system. Having raced on dirt tracks I know how much you want to keep that air out from under the car. I have looked at the other system carefully and decided it would be more trouble than a solution.

[HD4Mark]

I am skeptical about products like these but if they could produce one MPG improvement and my quick math is correct the tractor trailer kit $220 would pay for itself in less than 10,000 miles at fuel prices in my area. That does not include labor if you are paying someone to install them although they just stick on so almost anyone could do it. That is another concern though. How long will they remain stuck on.

Some real data would be more convincing. Before and after MPG from someone not affiliated with "Airtabs" would be nice.

[Ceratto's Grotto]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bill Adams Ain't we a gullible bunch!?!?!?! No, they aren't going to do a dang thing, but there is some aeronautical engineer willing to risk his (lack of) reputation to tell you what a great thing this is. If you believe him then you must also believe all those commercial endorsements about being able to make a man "larger"!

Sorry Bill...

I am, actually, a "Self Un-Employed Professional Skeptic".

For my rig the AirTab product had a definite and definable affect on handling when Semis, (in partciular COEs), other RVs and commercial buses pass us. The push I get now is hardly noticeable as compared to without the AirTabs.

As far as any mileage improvement is concerned I didn't purchase the product based upon any claim of mileage improvement. While I do track mileage, I don't know and don't expect that the AirTab product actually improved mileage by any significant factor for myself as I do not drive enough miles, over the same terrain, with the same load, under the same weather conditions, etc., to accurately compare before and after.

However, it may just be all a placebo affect from the Viagra and Man Pills I take....

[J Walker]

I installed Air Tabs two seasons ago and like them. They seemed to produce some handling improvement. Increase in MPG is small enough to prevent any certain conclusion due to other variables. I am not sorry I installed them. The principle behind them is sound for both improving handling and MPG.

[DriVer]

Quote:

Originally Posted by George Schweikle Just look at the now popular aerodynamic bodywork behind and on top of the truck cabs; they don't do this just because it might look good.

George, That's a very good observation. International is claiming just that .. to have one of the slickest tractor bodies on their ProStar and LoneStar products if not the most aerodynamic body on the market. An aerodynamic body is very important because it only begins returning the investment from day one. There are a lot of RVs that are rounded and low profile and those manufacturers are of course making claims to having better aerodynamic properties. If one looks at a Reyo, Avanti, Montaj, Serrano or others of these types of RVs, that's they way that fabrication appears to be heading.

Personally I think that it does involve more than just an add on device. The frontal area of a typical RV is still a parachute regardless of what types of gadgets are installed on the body. If there is an ROI there, I wouldn't want to have to figure that out with my calculator.

A Turbo Shield does offer an additional benefit aside from the aerodynamic in that it provides a low pressure area directly under the engine and it pulls heat away from the compartment.

■

[travel]

When we ordered our new 1965 (?) Holiday Rambler, we ordered a front air dam. I feel that that is what this discussion is about. At that time, it we felt that the cost was justified by increased performance.

[two-niner]

Looking at the ad for Turbo shield makes me think of crossing speed bumps. The shield goes first then the tires. Man, the scraping noise.
As far as I know, there are no speed bumps on any NASCAR track.
On a car it's called ground effects, been there, never again.
Don't mean no disrespect, just saying..

Kerry