Truck Aero, Bed cover DIY tonneau? - Page 6 - Fuel Economy, Hypermiling, EcoModding News and Forum

MetroMPG · 05-03-2008, 06:46 PM

Phil - that's a clever reinforcement idea.

Diesel & Frank: subscribed!

Clearly Mr. ptg0 doesn't have a lot of experience interacting on forums. Let's see if anything useful comes of this...

Chris D. · 05-26-2008, 01:26 AM

I just got the clamps I needed to attach the 2/3 panel to the bed on Saturday..

Now its time and weather are the only things holding me back from completion..

COMP · 05-26-2008, 01:37 AM

i'm still waiting

Chris D. · 05-30-2008, 11:48 PM

Did my second layer today, the wind died down finally

COMP · 05-30-2008, 11:51 PM

Chris D. · 06-02-2008, 05:51 AM

Unfortinatly I'm abandoning this project to do the Areo shell that I wanted to do in the first place..

I'll still use this panel for a part of that project..
I got a smokin deal on this..

henn norris · 06-10-2008, 12:33 AM

Wow, i feel like a ugly girl asked to prom by the football captain. you totally led us on there PTGO. But, i would rather see the aero cover anyhow. What happened to your duct tape wheel fairings? I would like to see three things on top of the aero shell, a good economical wheel fairing for the front and rear wheel wells, a easy to install bed pan and remote cameras in place of side view mirrors.

I own a truck as well, and I love it! However, it is time to face our demons. 20 t0 30 mpg is still to low. It is going to take a lot of ingenuity and sweat to get our F-150's and other midsized trucks over 30 mpg. Should i sell now while the truck still has good trade in value? Or, can i afford to make modifications to my truck that may achieve better gas mileage in the short term but ruin any chance for me to sell it in the future?

I think we would all agree that we are heading away from using petroleum products as the primary means to power our vehicles. So, is it worth making these modifications now? Is it worth destroying your trade in value, voiding your warranty and wasting money for a few extra mpg's right now? Is it a better deal to trade in now on a hybrid that will hold its value better into the future? Or, does someone have an idea that will allow us to keep our trucks, thus our way of life, and still afford to drive them?

Because, I haven't seen a truck-saving idea yet!

henn

Chris D. · 06-10-2008, 05:27 AM

well, heres what you need to weigh in on, is your truck paid for?

in a percentage, how much would you say that you use as a truck vs daily driver to haul just you around..

Do you haul anything that requires you to use a trailer hitch?

I oftin see people with their full size silverados that are slammed to the ground, rollin on 24's and its just them in it and hauling ass down the freeway.. kind of a waste IYAM..

I plan on keeping my truck for a long time and I'll definatly get a smaller eco car,
I'm leaning towards a 98 or newer Geo Metro LSi hatchback..

Id honestly think a while about selling it and figure if you need that much truck or if something smaller would surfice..

going from a v8 to a v6 is a waste because most of the time the FE isn't even much of a difference worth mentioning..

Remember the day when having a V6 was considered downsizing? LOL

I'm actually continplating leaving the shell how it is and going the cheap route with vortex generators because I dont have the information needed or the expertise to make my own areo shell and make it as effecient as possible..

I chatted with Brett (bondo) and he said theres alot more to just choppin it at an angle..
That and hes got a patent so he can't exactly share a whole lot of his design that I like so much... I figure when he gets things rolling, I'll keeo the economy rolling and purchase one from Brett with all the r&d done for me, proper fitment, ect..

That to me is worth it