Quote:
Originally Posted by grins2go_brett
I'm sure with enough time, money, and energy, I could create a fold away boat tail. However other factors make a boat tail problematic, including daily parking. The van is already as long or longer than most parking spaces here in the Phoenix area. So unless I can create something that opens and closes automatically or semi-automatically (push button on dash maybe), I just don't see it happening.
Back in the spring, I made a full grill block for my van. A lot of it has had to come off this summer of course. But between what I've been able to keep on the grill, and taping up the headlights and bumper to body gap, I've managed to gain about 5% over last years summer mpg's. Hopefully as it cools down and I can put more of the grill block back on, I'll gain a few more percentage points. If a belly pan gave me another 5-10% gain, I would be happy with that. Given the time and cost though, I think smooth wheel covers and rear wheel skirts may come first.
Good to hear you have caught the attention of the local RV dealer. It might be hard to convince customers to do a boat tail on their rig. But if they could do a belly pan on their rigs (out of sight, out of mind for the customers), and prove a 5-10% or more gain in fuel efficiency, I can see customers purchasing that as a dealer add on for a reasonable price. Let us know what they say and how they react. Thanks!  |
Thank you.
I realize a boat tail would be difficult to pull off on your vehicle but I would be willing to bet with an engine that small that you would see a tremendous gain with that vehicle, in the order of 25 to 30% +. Overall it's almost identical to mine, short in length (compared to the big guys), and chopped off square in the back.
The main difference is yours is much lighter than mine, quite a bit shorter but with almost the same square footage of your rear 'footprint' (creating the same or similar drag), with an engine that is less the half the displacement of mine and built for economy. That makes for maximum effect. You'd be grinning all the way to the pump.
On my way back from the mountains I saw several of the vans like you have on the road and thought that would be the perfect vehicle to get maximum effect with a boat tail. When I go to Sandy's I'll look at what they have and see if any eureka's come to mind.