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Old 01-10-2013, 07:20 PM   #3 (permalink)
rdefayette
Diesel Trucker
 
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Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Aspers, PA
Posts: 35

JD - '04 Dodge Ram 2500 QCLB 4x4 SLT
Last 3: 18.93 mpg (US)
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Quote:
Originally Posted by HydroJim View Post
I applaud your effort, but there are some things that can be improved.

1: From the pictures, it looks as though you're adding a significant amount of frontal area to the truck which negates your aerodynamic benefits. Simply lowering the height of the aero cap where it transitions to the truck cab would improve the aerodynamics.

2. It also appears the angle of your cap is too steep. By following the streamlining template, flow could probably be significantly improved.

3. The corners are square. rounded corners will prevent a fuel robbing vortex from forming and help to improve your design.

4. You could definitely cut down on the weight. The biggest potential I see is all the steel that goes around the top of the truck bed. It doesn't really appear to serve a purpose in the cap's strength, so you could probably shed some serious weight there.

All of this is based on the photos, so if I'm seeing something wrong, let me know.
Thank you,
1) If you are looking at the picture of the bare frame it was above the cab.
Changed it, now dead even with the top.
2) 13*
3) Yeah, I know. Form follows function.
4) Like I said can be made from aluminum ($$$) which would also result in loss of funtion.
The "hoop" allows me to strap 12' planks to the truck with the cap off and the steel in the wedge allows me to strap (done it) 1500# to the top of it if needed.
Can't do that with 'glass or aluminum.
Thank you though.
Maybe gen 2.
Bob
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Bob,
Dodge Ram '04.5, 2500 HO, Auto, QCLB, 4x4, CAI, 4" turbo back, Smarty Jr, Airdog 100. So Far
Previous; Dodge Ram '03, 3500, QCLB, 4x4, Dually, RIP
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