Aero Truck Cap Manufacturing

[BMACM65]

I have made another aero truck cap for my Dodge Ram. I am willing to produce these as I see them as a worthy mpg gain.
Now since it's been a while since I've been on here, how do I post pics?

ATCatNorthStarEnterprisesdotbiz

[t vago]

You will need one more post, in order to post pictures.

I am curious as to how your aerocaps look.

[BMACM65]

Well, I designed it and made it out of .060 Aluminum so it looks squarish. It is functional, has locks and gas springs to hold it open. I am redesigning it to look a bit better. I can design for contractor type caps with the side hatches. It works for me. I get 26-28mpIMPg in a 5500lb 4X4 with a 4.7L.

Blaine

[t vago]

You should now be able to post pictures.

[BMACM65]

Ok, lets see what happens.

ok, so where'd they go?

I thought I had better pics but you'll get the idea. It also has a cargo light cutout on the front.

B~

[freebeard]

I am willing to produce these...

What do you mean, as a hobby or as a business?

To be competitive you would need to radius the longitudinal edges, to inhibit vortex formation. If you radius each existing edge to 45° and then flange that, you could have one internally riveted seam. Run the edge roller on a curved edge and it would produce a quasi-compound-curve structure that would fit the lines of the vehicle very well.

You're welcome.

[t vago]

All I would say is, look at the rearward slope and compare it to the template. It actually looks like a good start, and its boxiness might actually be a selling point to those truck owners who otherwise would not consider installing an aerocap onto their truck because it might look "embarassing."

Contractor-type caps as an option would be cool, too.

[BMACM65]

Thanks for the comments.
The inside has weldable/riveted flanges. I don't care for the boxiness of it but I have a way to make it look a bit better.
I want to do it as a business. Right now it would be built based on orders.

[BMACM65]

I am also doing hovercrafts made out of aluminum. Welded hulls, flotation foam, four stroke engines. They are more fuel efficient than boats but are not for everybody. My aim is to make them look decent, fuel efficient and much quieter than the old types using two stroke engines.
I built a two seater, two six passengers and am now working on a better four seater.
I spent 13 years as a cnc programmer in the sheetmetal end of a big company so I learned to make some of my own stuff.

[elhigh]

Looks nice! I especially like the cutout for the truck's cargo light.

I think that the slope of the top is a bit too fast for the best aero effects, but really any improvement is an improvement, and if your mileage is as good as you say my assessment may be complete hooey.