Truck aero improvements

[Snax]

I'll just say that according to the stock mileage computer on ours (which seems to be within a tenth or two on accuracy per tank), the biggest draw on our fuel is the time we spend idling at lights and drive-thrus. On the ten mile round trip to drop my kids off at a school, waiting 5 minutes at the Starbuck drive-thru on the way back loses us about 10% of our economy. Frequent stop and go drags it down even further.

Even if we improved our aerodynamics substantially, the impact of city driving would still drastically reduce the benefit.

[Sludgy]

Originally Posted by beatr911

Hey sludgy is there a way to alter the timing on diesels that improves FE but reduces power? Seems with all the high fuel prices someone must have a chip that works by now.

I tried a Mileage Miser chip from Granatelli Motorsports. The mileage got worse, and the motor ran like a bag of ****. I took it out. Not into chipping the truck now.

[brucepick]

I like the underbody cover sheet plan. Assuming you spend significant time at 50 mph or better.

Somebody posted that their biggest fuel killer was idling at lights and drive-thrus. True that idling kills mpg. However for your highway driving, air drag is your biggest killer. On a decent hill if the aero is decent, the vehicle will accelerate. Or at least coast without losing speed. If drag is bad enough this won't happen, you need lots of engine output to overcome what you lose to drag. Of course on level ground what you lose is the same. it's just that on a hill you see it easier - you lose speed when you should be gaining it from the hill.

My Volvo is also about as aerodynamic as a brick and I'm doing what I can bit by bit. The advantage with a truck is that there's tons of room underneath to build what you need. Lots of ground clearance; you probably don't need all of it so whatever you lose to your new underbody treatment is OK.

[kickflipjr]

Originally Posted by theclencher

Not likely. Trucks have Cd above .4 so unless you go all Phil Knox on it I don't think it'll really help a whole bunch.

It case you didn't know who phil knox is. here is his truck:

[lovemysan]

Well, the problem with a belly pan on a truck especially a 4wd is there not practical. My belly pan took a beating just from ice alone. You also must consider that both axle's must have room to move up and down. Also factor the the frames flex under heavy loads. I'd also be worried about exhaust heat. Remember this truck has 325hp diesel engine, its going to produce a lot heat, towing. I'd be worried about melting something.

[GasSavers_James]

I agree with the clencher, those high performance trucks are rediculous. Trucks do make sense for hauling heavy loads...and if you do this frequently or for a living, an underbody pan or a boat tail would make a lot of sense. But in the long run, if you are not hauling things all the time, a nice beater honda or toyota would be good to have for all other trips when not hauling. The best way to save gas with a truck is to only start it up when hauling a trailer or over 1,000lbs.

I know this is an obvious one but: Do you have a grille block? that might help the truck warm up faster and get better mpg on the hwy...remember to remove it when towing on hot days!

[Sludgy]

Originally Posted by James

I agree with the clencher, those high performance trucks are rediculous. Trucks do make sense for hauling heavy loads...and if you do this frequently or for a living, an underbody pan or a boat tail would make a lot of sense. But in the long run, if you are not hauling things all the time, a nice beater honda or toyota would be good to have for all other trips when not hauling. The best way to save gas with a truck is to only start it up when hauling a trailer or over 1,000lbs.

I know this is an obvious one but: Do you have a grille block? that might help the truck warm up faster and get better mpg on the hwy...remember to remove it when towing on hot days!

Yes, I have a nice canvas grille block.

[Bill in Houston]

He's not trying to make the truck something that it is not. He still wants for it to be a truck. He just wants for it to be the best possible truck it can be.

Like for me. I have the Element because I want an Element. I could have a CRV, but I don't want one. I could have an Accord, but I don't want one. I want an Element. But, I still want for it to get the best mileage it can get without losing the utility(value) that I derive from it.

[omgwtfbyobbq]

What? I need a 6000lb truck to get milk from the store!

[lovemysan]

Originally Posted by James

I agree with the clencher, those high performance trucks are rediculous. Trucks do make sense for hauling heavy loads...and if you do this frequently or for a living, an underbody pan or a boat tail would make a lot of sense. But in the long run, if you are not hauling things all the time, a nice beater honda or toyota would be good to have for all other trips when not hauling. The best way to save gas with a truck is to only start it up when hauling a trailer or over 1,000lbs.

I know this is an obvious one but: Do you have a grille block? that might help the truck warm up faster and get better mpg on the hwy...remember to remove it when towing on hot days!

Ooh my favorite vehicle ever was my 91 dodge, cummins powered. I cranked the pump and did some minor mods. It was actually fun to drive. It ran a 16.2 spinning badly through second. Easy 15.8s with a locker. Smoked like a frieght train for tailgater removing.