Ford Ranger wind tunnel test

[Tony Raine]

Take a Look

pretty cool stuff. especially tailgate up vs. down. i may be getting another ranger this summer, so this gives me a head start on what mods to do

[MetroMPG]

Too bad they don't tell us what a "shell" is on that page. I'd guess they're referring to a standard boxy bed cap, obviously not an "aero shell".

[CMMotorsports]

Hey guys, thanks for checking out my website and research on the aerodynamics of pickup trucks. It was a very revealing study and I'm currently working publish a paper with either SAE or AIAA on this, still as an undergraduate student mind you .

The bed cover is great option and adding a little air dam was really effective in lowering the drag of the truck. Then tailgate up is the best normal config, then tailgate down, camper shell and finally the tailgate off. Do not put that gate down or use those little gator nets!!!! Our wind tunnel in the past had one of the companies producing a type of gator net come in to try and validate their "10%" fuel mileage improvement their marketing department had out. Yeah well it was more like 10% decrease in fuel mileage. Needless to say they left the test not so happy. Just a little bit of knowledge for you.

Do not take these Cd values as absolute, as the accuracy of just the final number might be off, due to many reasons mathematically and with the experiment itself. Only really look at the relative differences between each config. That is where the money is. I hope this helps clear up the misconception folks have, but every day I see people still taking off their tailgate so I guess we never can convert them all.

If you guys would like any more information, pictures, data, etc... Just let me know by sending me an email. You can find it on the site as well.

Corey@CoreyMeltonMotorsports.com

Thanks!

Corey Melton

[MetroMPG]

Interesting: I clicked through the link to the Langley Full-Scale Tunnel at Old Dominion University, where the Ranger tests were done.

There's a "student projects" page, and this image and description:




"University of Maryland, modified Ford Explorer undergoing drag clean-up study. "

Evident in that pic: rear fender skirts, partial grille block, possibly also smooth wheels.

[CMMotorsports]

I mean just a regular camper shell. Here is a picture. In further research I would like to develop and test a more aerodynamic shell model. Got any places I can search for ideas, pictures?



Thanks

Corey Melton

[MetroMPG]

Hi Corey - thanks for stopping in. I'm sure you've seen drag tests with the "ultimate" bed cover: a streamlined "aero shell".

I suspect most "truck guys" probably won't go for that, but at least your data will help people understand what's best among the most popular options for that particular truck bed/cab configuration.

[CMMotorsports]

No I have not, can you direct me to their site if they have one.

[MetroMPG]

Originally Posted by CMMotorsports

I would like to develop and test a more aerodynamic shell model. Got any places I can search for ideas, pictures?

Here are three, with photos (there are more, but these 3 come to mind):

• The Phil Knox fleet - 34 years of aeromodding (part way down that page)

• Commercially produced aerodynamic pickup bed cap

• nissan kingcab aerocap

And you may be able to find past research on the subject:

Texas Tech University Aero Lab publishes: pickup cab wing good for 6-per cent drag reduction,1/2-tonneau gives a 6-per cent drop, full tonneau gives 7-per cent, cab wing and 1/2 tonneau together nets a 17.5-per cent gain, and an "aeroshell" is good for a 20-per cent drag reduction. - source

[CMMotorsports]

Thanks

[MetroMPG]

No problem.

You're lucky: there are more than a few active members in the aerodynamics forum here who would kill for a chance to spend some time with their vehicles in a full scale wind tunnel!