My new Aerolid!!!

[round.boater]

I just got back from meeting up with Bondo to pick up an Aerolid (Commercially produced aerodynamic pickup bed cap). Whoo-Hoo!!! Unfortunately, on my return trip, I started with a mild tail wind that promptly turned to a quartering tail wind that turned in to a "hold on to the wheel with both hands" crosswind once I hit I-70, so my numbers aren't very representitive yet. Although, FWIW, the last time I had a tank in similar conditions I think I got ~14mpg and was up around 17 in the wind today.

Bondo took a couple pictures when I first got it, and I'll try to get some and post them once it's light again.

At my one gas stop on the way home, I had three guys ask me about the lid. Bondo has aerolid.com registered, but doesn't have a web page up yet - he says in large part because the lids are still in whatever the automotive version of beta testing is called. There has to be someone here on Ecomodder who can help him put together a page that explains the product and says that he's building by hand and trying to ramp up production. I need a sticker on my truck that can point to aerolid.com to help direct all the stares! Is there anyone out there who has better web skills than I do and wants a project?

[round.boater]

The sun's up, here's a couple pics.

[NeilBlanchard]

Hiya,

Looks pretty sweet! Can you also take some pictures of how it attaches to the bed?

[TomO]

Definitely great looking! Looks like it should be there right from the dealership.

[basjoos]

It looks like it wouldn't be too difficult to build an easily detachable boattail that would mount on the lowered tailgate and match shapes with the back of the Aerolid and the bottom of the bumper. The boattail would need integrated tailights that would plug into the trailer electrical jack and a place to mount the license plate. The boattail could be stored inside the bed when not in use.

[DonR]

From what I can tell from the pictures it appears of decent quality.

Brett may want to try posting pictures on a Ford truck forum site. He may get some bites from that. He could also talk to a local Ford dealer about making it a dealer installed option if the Aerolid's fit the new trucks. I know dealers used to do stuff like that in the good old days. Work was warranteed thru dealer, parts thru manufacturer. A nice geature would be a hinge similar to a hard tonneau cover so the top rotates to "level". Even though people rarely need the height, they will always want it.

Don

[aerohead]

Originally Posted by DonR

From what I can tell from the pictures it appears of decent quality.

Brett may want to try posting pictures on a Ford truck forum site. He may get some bites from that. He could also talk to a local Ford dealer about making it a dealer installed option if the Aerolid's fit the new trucks. I know dealers used to do stuff like that in the good old days. Work was warranteed thru dealer, parts thru manufacturer. A nice geature would be a hinge similar to a hard tonneau cover so the top rotates to "level". Even though people rarely need the height, they will always want it.

Don

When I saw Brett's development cap,it did have the facility to hinge up a bit beyond level.It also had one of the most professionally-executed integrated pop-up tents combined with it.I hope it's okay to talk about that.

[bondo]

Hey round.boater,

Just noticed your post. Glad you are enjoying the lid. Crosswinds are always detrimental to good fuel efficiency. There will be calmer days. Here are some pictures I took of your truck just after we put the lid on it.

You are so right about the web page. It is the next step. Thanks for purchasing serial number 2. I have already started on #3.

It was a pleasure to meet you and best of luck to you after graduation.

Hey Aerohead! Saw your post. Haven't been down to Denton in some time. When I get down that way I'll give you a shout.

Bondo

[round.boater]

Originally Posted by NeilBlanchard

Hiya,

Looks pretty sweet! Can you also take some pictures of how it attaches to the bed?

I don't have my camera today, I'll try to remember soon. Basically it just uses four standard camper shell clamps, just like any other shell.

And, yes, the lid does lift for access and has tent wall panels so that I can sleep in it. I actually use the camper shell to camp in a decent amount, so that's a priority for me.

Despite the negative reactions on some of the truck forums when Bondo has posted there, I've literally gotten a thumbs up from several "tough trucker" types already.

[MazdaMatt]

Looks very classy to me. Impressive. I'll run it by some family that rather "old school" and anti-hippie. Dad owns a trucking company and uncle is a trucker.