Aerocap for a Tacoma Pickup?

[MetroMPG]

Agreed: gap filler between the cab/cap would be best.

If the roof arcs down, and you're doing a true arc in your cap, I think you're safe to get closer to the top of the tailgate.

[aerohead]

Originally Posted by mjboks

btw - great build here:
http://ecomodder.com/forum/showthrea...ead-11611.html

I've taking a closer look a the "ideal" aerocap for my tacoma and found there is a slight decline at the end of the double cab (its not just in the picture). So the top of the streamlined template is back just above the middle of the rear door. With the template moved forward it reduces the tailgate height a bit. I previous calculated about 8-9 inches and now it's around 5 inches. Although is it better to error on the side of caution and make it higher?



I will also have to deal with the gap from the top of the aerocap to the cab. It appears if I go straight up from the bed I'll have a 6 inch gap that would create a bit of turbulence. Either build it flush or have some type of filler.

If the roof peak is forward,take advantage of it,allowing the downslope of your cover to initiate earlier and get closer to the tailgate top at the rear.
It will only raise the pressure behind the gate,lowering the pressure differential across the truck,lowering drag.
Next Spring,when doing a high-speed pass you'll feel like she's got an extra 25-hp.

[ccrider]

on the gap between the cab. it looks like the new generation tacoma has more of a round at the back of the cab. on my 02 the gap is going to be about 3". i am going to build the supports verticle and overhang the plywood till it is within a 1/2" of the cab.

[mjboks]

It's not the most perfect aero design but it's production in Europe (not for a tacoma though).
CARRYBOY : Fiberglass Canopy - G500

When is Bondo going to make his available to more trucks?

[aerohead]

Originally Posted by mjboks

It's not the most perfect aero design but it's production in Europe (not for a tacoma though).
CARRYBOY : Fiberglass Canopy - G500

When is Bondo going to make his available to more trucks?

It's a beautiful unit,but for a short-bed she looks a little fast with the curvature.Something to slide under the template.
Thanks for the look!

[mjboks]

Just as I expected, not the best aero design.



It looks like it would start separation about 1/2 way back over the cap. It's really too bad this style though hasn't migrated to n.america.

[aerohead]

Originally Posted by mjboks

Just as I expected, not the best aero design.



It looks like it would start separation about 1/2 way back over the cap. It's really too bad this style though hasn't migrated to n.america.

Nice template work! Yep,she looks very "fast".Pseudo-Kamm-back.
They could extend a spoiler out and up even with the rear bumper of the truck and "fix" a lot of the separation.
I think bondo is diligently working on "bringing it to America."

[ccrider]

i was out of town for 3 weeks and i finally got time to build my aerocap. here are some photos

[ccrider]

[IMG][/IMG]

here is a side view

[ccrider]

i have about $30 and a couple of days of messing with it into the cap. i bought 2 sheets of plywood and the rest i found around the construction sites and in the garage. so it should pay for itself pretty quick. it made out of 1/2" plywood and it is really strong i am thinking that i could load pretty heavy stuff on top of it because i was climbing on it. i think that i am going to paint it black. i like the black shrink wrap cap that was done but i think that for my use i will be taking it off pretty often and leaving it on the construction sites for long periods. so i think it will be taking a beating.