Commercially produced aerodynamic pickup bed cap

[bluetwo]

Nice image. I really want to see one that'll go on my crew cab Canyon (Colorado) because it already get 25 or more on the highway and an extra 20% would be sweet.

Of course, I realize that's still probably a ways out.

[MetroMPG]

Bondo: at what speed? We need to know your MPH to put your MPG in context!

[bondo]

My speed was a constant 70 miles per hour set on cruise control.

I think Darin, as we all saw from the great post you put up of Bill Pien in the Ford wind tunnel in Allen Park, Michigan, with the 2009 F-150, alot of the credit for the high number I got goes to Ford.

I do hope Ford would someday take a strong look at aerodynamic truck bed covers. A 20% increase in fuel efficiency would definitely help them reach future CAFE standards.

Bondo

[Christ]

Originally Posted by bondo

My speed was a constant 70 miles per hour set on cruise control.

I think Darin, as we all saw from the great post you put up of Bill Pien in the Ford wind tunnel in Allen Park, Michigan, with the 2009 F-150, alot of the credit for the high number I got goes to Ford.

I do hope Ford would someday take a strong look at aerodynamic truck bed covers. A 20% increase in fuel efficiency would definitely help them reach future CAFE standards.

Bondo

If Ford were to give in to something like this, it would be an aftermarket accessory. Unfortunately, I'm sure many will not see much of a point to adding a bed cover as a standard option, when they're probably just going to remove it for "easy access to the bed".

Right after my Father got his S10, he sold the cap that was on it. He got tired of having to remove it all the time for even small loads that normally, he could have just thrown into the bed against the cab. He's also hardcore about keeping weight in front of the axle, to help distribute it.

If I were going to do something like this on a truck I drove/used daily, I'd probably want to make accessible side covers for this reason, as well.

[bondo]

Christ you make some good points. The utilitarian aspects of an old style camper shell and even a tonneau cover do have some drawbacks.

A camper shell is restricted to hauling cargo no taller than the roof of the shell. The camper shell also robs around 1 mpg due to poor aerodynamics.

A tonneau cover can add anywhere from a 7 to 10% increase in fuel efficiency to the pickup. Drawbacks are it is very limited in cargo volume and you cannot camp in it.

In designing the Aerolid, I tried to put as much utilitarian chracteristics into it I could think of. The top roof can be easily removed by unhooking one end of the hydraulic struts and then by pulling two pins which hingedly connect the roof to the lower body of the Aerolid. Two people can easily and swiftly remove the roof to allow for the hauling of cargo taller than the roof. You don't have to remove the lower portion at all. The first picture I include illustrates this and it gives the truck kind of a cool look.

Another aspect of utility is the camper position. The Aerolid roof can swifly be raised and then two canvas sides and a rear hatch with a window are deployed. The Aerolid can now be used for camping or to haul a larger volume of cargo, which I have done many times. The Aerolid is fully roadable in this position at sustained freeway speed. The second picture shows the camper position.

The roof of the Aerolid also raises flush to the roof of the cab making it much easier to stow cargo toward the front truck bed wall, much easier than a tonneau cover. I do like your idea of side access which would make things even better. Picture three shows the lid in the raised position.

Lastly, the Aerolid by design distributes most of it's wieght forward of the axel.

I have learned you can't do it all yourself and I appreciate everyones input and comments.

Bondo

[chuckm]

Originally Posted by Mandilon

Does anyone have that drawing of a frog choking a snake that trying to gobble him up? The caption reads "Never give up!"

[Christ]

Image #1, I haven't seen. I knew about the rest of those features, though. I applaud you in your efforts, and I'm behind what you're doing 100%.

I believe side access, at least on one side, would make an unbeatable combination where there would be no real argument against using the design for just about any truck under just about any circumstances.

I wish you good luck in your venture!

[MetroMPG]

Bondo: that mileage at 70 mph is impressive. I love the workmanship & looks too.

You know what would clinch it for me (and many others): an A-B-A comparison. Lay it all out: test methodology and before & after MPG results of a controlled-as-possible test in identical conditions.

[Frank Lee]

I have much respect for Bondo and aerohead too but when they make an fe claim from one long highway trip I cringe.

You've seen how I wigged out when Truck Trend did the same thing...

[bondo]

And I do need to do a before and after in as much as can be a controlled condition. The claim I made of 24.1 mpg was for yesterdays run only. The conditions were close to ideal with light winds and good air temperature.

I can only ask you to refer to round.boaters fuel log. He is showing some good numbers over a longer period of time running his Aerolid.

The wind tunnel data I gained at Mooresville, N.C. showed a substancial reduction of Cd. My last fuel records from my old truck showed overall a 20% increase in fuel efficiency over a two and a half year period at highway speeds.

The first two road tests of my new lid were hampered by headwinds. The one yesterday proved to me that the lid can get 24.1 mpg. The 2009 F-150 like mine is rated at 20 mpg for highway. 24 mpg is a 20% increase in fuel efficeincy over 20 mpg. In time data to further substanciate my claims will be provided.


Bondo