aerodynamics & 5th wheels

[AndyL]

Trip hasn't been good for mileage so far, 60km/h headwinds heading into the mountains... had us averaging 26l/100 to lake Louise, but once we hit the passes, we've been steadily improving - golden to revelstoke 16L/100, I'm impressed.

[slowmover]

I'd say Lake Louise is worth the "penalty", eh?

[AndyL]

Wife used to live there - I get chastised for calling it lake lousy were headed on through to the arrow lakes, now those are worth it, not as touristy...

[slowmover]

This is what passes for "lake" around here. Blinding glare and 70% humidity at 90F.

So, am pleased to know that a great destination has more to offer even if nearly 2,000-miles away.

[AndyL]

This is where were headed... fishing's pretty lame, you can see the fish down a good 50'

[AndyL]

Well, trip done... 2213kms average speed 86km/h - overall trip average was 16.4L/100 - best number was 13.8 worst was 22.

Best number - came after dinging the deflector, looks like my pivot was a couple inches closer to the cab than I calculated not sure why, but the best mileage numbers came after with minor indents in the deflector sides and bulges down near the bed rails - best by far was hauling a half cord of wood in it... yup best when closed...

[slowmover]

14-mpg is no slouch. I'd imagine terrain (altitude, and changes thereof) plays a role.

Do your calculations also note average speed? (Engine "on" time versus miles travelled).

.

[KamperBob]

Andy, thanks for the followup. To clarify, if the half cord of wood included the trailer did effectively "grow" the short cap any for less gap? I also wonder about suspension loaded more. Moreover, if a different leg of the trip how comparable (all conditions).

I need to find a handy conversion from L/100 to MPG so my brain can relate more to your numbers...

Rock on!

[AndyL]

Wood just basically filled the deflector to about 6" from the trailing edge and some of the bed...

Didn't note average speed per section, just on the whole - but in reality the first and last ~200km were the only sections we had a speed limit of 110... average speed came from a handy GPS app - speedview, no real traffic to speak of, or extended stops.