AirFlow BulletTruck Project (aerodynamic, modified Class 8 transport doubles MPG)

[Galane]

You'd think every semi tractor manufacturer would remember the Peterbilt 372, especially the company that built them!

Looks to me like they're just milking the government for money instead of using the big head start on efficiency they dumped 20+ years ago.

Same thing with all the crowing about new cars that get 39 MPG, when 20 years ago the Geo Metro got 45 with an auto and 50+ with a manual. Progress? What's that?

Is there some government regulation or agency that would stand in the way of a trucking company refurbishing, modernizing and further enhancing the aerodynamics of a fleet of 372's?

[slowmover]

The corporations are the creatures of the ultra-rich, as are the giant banks. And those corporations captured our government a long time ago. The taxpayer (which is not them, after all) is on the hook from every angle imaginable. The "theater" of politics is to keep us distracted, misinformed, and docile, but voting into power one or the other group who yet promulgate the same policies.

Nothing wrong, per se, with funding research . . but (as the old question goes) "Who watches the watchers?" Who is responsible for a particular outcome? Who bears the price and receives the benefit? When taxpayer dollars are spent according to lobbyists, who's surprised?

A long way of saying what was said above: Why are we re-inventing this wheel?

Cronyism, nepotism are ugly. Racism & sexism are mainly distractions, second or third order problems. Same for gun control, etc. Rabble-rousing. Money is of the first order. And guaranteeing profits to the few, versus promoting the general welfare is disgusting. Welcome to modern America.

This story is more and more common since 1980. Practically the only story anymore.

Numbers as dollars, and Cui bono?


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[Mika]

Please tell me that the new concept truck is going to have only one diff and a liftable tag axle. Lift Tag with diff lock has more than enough traction for most of your driving conditions, and saves a lot of weight and has much less drivetrain losses. Scandinavian people has survived with them from the 60's, so it would be about the time that americans wake up and see the advantages too. Trailer could have liftable second axle too, wouldn't hurt to have only two tires rolling when empty.

Also, would such aerodynamic truck manage with electrical water pump and electric fan? I-shift has too proven its worth here. Also, are you familiar with the teardrop trailer?

Just playing with ideas here, let me know what you think.

[Shepherd777]

Originally Posted by Galane

Looks to me like they're just milking the government for money instead of using the big head start on efficiency they dumped 20+ years ago.

Zacklee!

Is there some government regulation or agency that would stand in the way of a trucking company refurbishing, modernizing and further enhancing the aerodynamics of a fleet of 372's?

No.

[Shepherd777]

Originally Posted by Mika

Please tell me that the new concept truck is going to have only one diff and a liftable tag axle. Lift Tag with diff lock has more than enough traction for most of your driving conditions, and saves a lot of weight and has much less drivetrain losses. Scandinavian people has survived with them from the 60's, so it would be about the time that americans wake up and see the advantages too. Trailer could have liftable second axle too, wouldn't hurt to have only two tires rolling when empty.

Also, would such aerodynamic truck manage with electrical water pump and electric fan? I-shift has too proven its worth here. Also, are you familiar with the teardrop trailer?

Just playing with ideas here, let me know what you think.

Hi Mika -

I'm not on the welcoming committee here, but welcome to the forum.

Yes, the new truck will have only one differential and a tag axle. Not sure if it will be a lift axle yet. There are other ways to get traction to the differential.

Definitely a high-voltage electric fan. Possibly a High-Voltage water pump.

The teardrop trailer would not work for general freight here in the good ol' USA. The shippers of high-cube loads use a 53' x 102" rectangular trailer configuration in their load calculations. And we have 14' underpasses on highways, so a teardrop either wouldn't fit underneath, or it would hold way less freight to actually get under the overpass.

[Mika]

Good to know that you use only one diff, maybe others will soon too get the point.

There may be other ways for traction but I cannot figure anything cheaper/simpler. Lift switch should be inside cab so that you could lift while driving if the situation demands it. There's also no reason to roll tag axle tires when empty.

Electric water pump would be ideal since your truck is not going to need half as much cooling than the standard truck water pump is designed to give. And if you use, for example, evans coolant, I think you can keep the motor at least 10 C hotter than usual anyway without worrying about boiling.

Also, I think you should visit rvs-tec website.

Even though it sounds like science fiction, it does work as it is advertised. I think you will find multiple places to use RVS. Engine, transmission, differential, wheel bearings...

[mikeyjd]

Originally Posted by Shepherd777

Paccar, parent of Peterbilt, has visited my web site dozens of times in the past. They were there 14 times yesterday and once so far today. And their latest visit was referred to by this site.
You would think they would have learned something by now.

Our tax dollars at work.[/COLOR]

lol! That's some high lvl research right there ^

[mf70]

You're getting some outside attention!
Is The BulletTruck What Semis Will Look Like In The Future?

[sheepdog 44]

Read the comments section from the beginning. The creator of the Airflow bullet truck answers some questions and gives recent insight into his project.

[cowmeat]

Awesome job! That's an industry changing vehicle you made there, there's no way it's going to go unnoticed. Don't sell out man, keep them coming!
BTW, there's got to be over 300 square feet of potential solar panel real estate on top of every trailer that could power electronics/refrigeration, etc. . .do you have any plans for utilizing the space?