Another Ranger aero bed topper, (with ???)

[Waspswatter]

Any suggestions about spoilers or something like that? Or is it better to have the topper terminate with the airflow as undisturbed as possible?

[ChazInMT]

Originally Posted by Waspswatter

Or is it better to have the topper terminate with the airflow as undisturbed as possible?

Bingo, the topper design at the angle I showed has been demonstrated to reduce both lift and drag, so no need for the additional spoiler.

[freebeard]

This picture has circulated on the forum at times. Others might be able to interpret it, but your situation is as Ba. D is you solution inverted. This is why I said the fins might inhibit vortex formation.

Looking at Bb, reproducing the 30° slant of a hatchback body might be beneficial with more interior room.

[ChazInMT]

Originally Posted by freebeard

Looking at Bb, reproducing the 30° slant of a hatchback body might be beneficial with more interior room.

Yeah, sure, 30° slant.....might as well add one of these to the truck to help out the aero.

[freebeard]

Wouldn't the open wheels hurt the aero?

What about fins vs the progressive tumblehome that JRMichler's top uses.

Also:

[Waspswatter]

So, does a small angle like 10 or 12 degrees make that much difference? How does a straight-back commercial topper compare?

I was also looking at the half tonneau designs that basically fulfills all my requirements, (and looks even less like a spaceship). I was seriously considering this design until I finally read in a post that it has to be open in the front with a little space between the tailgate for the best aero, which doesn't work well for securing items in the bed.

Also, it's been a while so I don't remember where I read it, but I heard the vortices would relieve the pressure drag at the rear of the vehicle. And so why do aircraft use them if they create drag? What's the proper application for vortex generators?

I'd appreciate some clarification. There's A LOT of information on the site, but some of it seems contradicting and confusing.

My progress--->

[JRMichler]

SOME airplanes use vortex generators. Vortex generators on an airplane are a "band aid" fix to improve handling at low speeds / high angles of attack.

[freebeard]

I was also looking at the half tonneau designs that basically fulfills all my requirements, (and looks even less like a spaceship). I was seriously considering this design until I finally read in a post that it has to be open in the front with a little space between the tailgate for the best aero, which doesn't work well for securing items in the bed.... There's A LOT of information on the site, but some of it seems contradicting and confusing.

I don't remember that post and can't reference the one I *do* remember, but I think the half-tonneau need to be closed at the front. That would give you an open bed in the front half and a lockable trunk in the back half. Some A-B-A testing could resolve that.

[Waspswatter]

Originally Posted by freebeard

I don't remember that post and can't reference the one I *do* remember, but I think the half-tonneau need to be closed at the front. That would give you an open bed in the front half and a lockable trunk in the back half. Some A-B-A testing could resolve that.

The post I read was quoting the person who patented the half tonneau design, (GM employee?). Yeah, the half tonneau with a wing off the cab seemed like a great solution until I read that. I could even still use the front of the bed just to toss something in quick and remove it quickly.
I could probably find the quote if you wanted to see it.

[hat_man]

I'm not sure but I think it was BamZipPow that made a topper out of a flat lockable topper but set it on an angle and built sides for it. Very sturdy and lockable.