Commercially produced aerodynamic pickup bed cap

[95badbird]

Here is a pic of my truck....but only from the front(you can kinda see the camper in the pic).....I just don't have anymore pics of my truck hosted right now..

[Bicycle Bob]

The rounded back edge causes more drag than a sharp lip, which would help to establish a single large vortex instead of general turbulence in the wake. The slight taper in profile is beneficial, but could be increased considerably without causing flow separation, giving a smaller wake.

The 'roo bars on the front must be costing you a significant percentage, too.

[aerohead]

Originally Posted by 95badbird

Hey everyone.

just joined the site, and wanted to say something.

Note, the pic I'm about to post is not my truck, but I do have the same exact camper on my truck.

What do yall think about it for better aerodynamics?

The top was made by snugtop, and was called the topgun.





I'll get pics of mine later.

95badbird,its a great looking cap.It's a little more daring than conventional caps,with apparent good utility.It doesn't reduce in cross-section area much,so probably not much drag reduction,but better than open bed.

[metromizer]

Back in the late 70's, my friends and I had a band practice at the new bass player's work... which turned out to be a place in San Jose that did short-run fiberglass projects.

They did everything from in-house developed products (race fairing for motorcycles and outhouses I think), others were customer owned boat, odd things I couldn't identify moulds that this company would make small runs on a 'to order' basis. They also stored the customer owned molds. Just an idea...

If you own some quality molds, and don't want to set up a facility to apply gel coat and a chopper gun glass (nasty stuff, who would blame you), talk with several boat hull manufactures, spa manufacturers, race car body part manufactureres in your area about small lot contract production. I encourage you to get your ducks in a row and find an investor to fund 20 caps.

[crexcrex]

Impressive.....................reminds me of the fast back jeep top.........nice work!

[Deisel Dodger 06]

Originally Posted by Snowmann

sooooooo, when you making some for a Dodge?
As a truck owner, I would prolly be willing to pay about $1000 or maybe more for one of those. That thing is sweet!

Just by adjusting some driving habits I have gotten my 95 Dodge Ram 1500 with the 318 to get a combined of 16.0. WOOT!

Bondo,

I saw Snowman's comment and had to add to it that I would like to see some for the dodge's. I have a '06 5.9L Mega Cab, and right now it's a lawn ornament, sort of! Keep us informed of your progress please, I think they look great!

[MetroMPG]

It's hard to tell from that photo, but I'm going to side with Bicycle Bob. The effective angle on the rear 'glass' portion of that cap looks like it may be pretty close to the angles that Hucho shows increase drag by spawning a large trailing vortex on each side.

[95badbird]

Originally Posted by MetroMPG

It's hard to tell from that photo, but I'm going to side with Bicycle Bob. The effective angle on the rear 'glass' portion of that cap looks like it may be pretty close to the angles that Hucho shows increase drag by spawning a large trailing vortex on each side.

hugh??

the cap follows the lines perfectly with the truck.

I still need to get more pics up.

[MetroMPG]

Was referring to the REAR glass. Not the sides.

[95badbird]

so what exactly is causing a vortex?