Another truck aero cap idea...

[BamZipPow]

Got some 35lb gas shocks (came with the ball studs) fer $10 fer the set and mounted them on the hatch. So after I fabbed up some brackets to hold the ball studs in, I had to find the right place to mount them. I still have to cut some holder sticks so I can have the hatch configured fer a standard topper height.

It's nice to be able to open the hatch without fumbling to put sticks in place and hold the hatch up at the same time...

[KamperBob]

Nice props. It looks like you are investing more into this prototype. I gather you are fairly happy with this variation to do so.

I was planning to make a prototype soon until I had a little setback.

[BamZipPow]

Originally Posted by KamperBob

Nice props. It looks like you are investing more into this prototype. I gather you are fairly happy with this variation to do so.

I was planning to make a prototype soon until I had a little setback.

Sorry to see yer Tundra beat up. The good thing is that yer both still here on this planet...

Well...most of the stuff I'm doing now is learning how things need to go together. I already have my next version on paper...it's gonna git tapered on the sides...kinda like the Corvette Stingray or Nissan Juke.



So I'll have to shrink the hatch and pull in the sides. Put in some horizontal support coming off the bed rails. I still want this as light as possible and be disassembled into 4 pieces. I guess if I finally find a design that I like...I can have it made out of carbon fiber...$$$.

[KamperBob]

Thanks, BZP.

You have good taste BTW. The fastback 'Vette is my favorite of all model years. The short-lived 80's TV show Stingray had me drooling for a jet black '65 which also just happens to be my birth year.

Back on topic, my brain has "practical" lobes that keep me from investing too much. A good DIY cap could cost hundreds to do right and look sharp. The fuel savings payback is there but takes years. (shrug)

[BamZipPow]

That's why I'm only looking fer an inexpensive lightweight cap that's aimed towards the aerodynamic side. I know it's gonna take a few trials to find what's gonna be right fer the materials I have on hand...hence the topic of this thread.

I believe it's possible to make a simple, low-cost lightweight aero cap...just have to find the right design. I'm sure one could make the entire cap out of coroplast with coroplast beams as support and with some sort of windows fer visibility. I look at the postal containers and bicycle shields as inspiration...

[BamZipPow]

Just added the metal straps so it can go in standard camper height mode. No more wooden sticks to struggle with...especially when it gits wet outside.





I use the same holes to pin the top down in aero mode fer the support straps. When the straps aren't needed...I just push them up and out of the way.

[ECONORAM]

You must have been reading my mind. I was thinking of almost the exact same thing. if I hadn't blown so much on my LEER topper, I'd hack it up in similar fashion. I am convinced the topper is costing me in drag.

[BamZipPow]

Originally Posted by ECONORAM

You must have been reading my mind. I was thinking of almost the exact same thing. if I hadn't blown so much on my LEER topper, I'd hack it up in similar fashion. I am convinced the topper is costing me in drag.

Well...you could take yer topper off and start building a basic aero cap without hacking up yer current topper.

Do you have stake holes in yer bed? If you do, does it have the hole in the bed where you can pin the stake hole? That's how I have my main rails secured...a 1x2 stud secured with a T-nut and a bolt/washer to keep it from flying out of the stake hole. It's gonna eventually git converted to a 12 gauge L bracket that's tapped fer the bolts.

[slowmover]

I am convinced the topper is costing me in drag.

Due to adverse winds? Outsiders don't really get it that Texas is the land of wind. I notice that my LEER topper increases sail area, but I also feel that it is worth about 3/4 to 7/8 mpg in low or following prevailing winds. (I have yet to have a true tailwind). I am assuming that yours is a close fit.

BZP, what is your experience with winds thus far? Any days of constant 15-20 mph winds with gusts to 40 or better? The Coastal Bend is impressive for constant and gusting winds higher than this.

.

[BamZipPow]

Originally Posted by slowmover

I am convinced the topper is costing me in drag.

Due to adverse winds? Outsiders don't really get it that Texas is the land of wind. I notice that my LEER topper increases sail area, but I also feel that it is worth about 3/4 to 7/8 mpg in low or following prevailing winds. (I have yet to have a true tailwind). I am assuming that yours is a close fit.

BZP, what is your experience with winds thus far? Any days of constant 15-20 mph winds with gusts to 40 or better? The Coastal Bend is impressive for constant and gusting winds higher than this.

.

We've gotten some wind in the past week or so...not sure how much effect it had on my driving...my butt really couldn't tell. Looking at the Ultra-Gauge didn't reveal any special numbers at the time...but I was trying to keep my eyes on the road.

I'm sure my side skirts don't give me any advantage when it comes to the crosswinds...

I'm thinking about flattening out my hatch and see how that will fare...I just have to take out the middle spar and put in some cross supports...and make a new rear window.