Experiment: smooth wheel discs tested A-B-A - 4.6% mpg improvement @ 65 mph

[cfg83]

ECONORAM -

Originally Posted by ECONORAM

The chart is quite interesting. I tried a trip with clear packing tape on my wheels. Not sure what the difference was, as I didn't stop to do any A/B testing, but the tape did seem to help make the truck slipperier. Mileage was hovering around 20 mpg, even driving 70 mph 90% of the time. I did notice a lot of brake dust and dirt gathered behind the tape...
Unfortunately, I cannot easily find (21"?) pizza pans for 20" alloy wheels. I will probably buy some clear Lexan and cut disks for each. Found Regal Plastics here in OKC carries Lexan, ABS, and more. Still need a good method of attaching them, but the improvement to me is well worth the effort. I never got 20 mpg at 70 mph before...for nearly 500 miles.

I did some looking and found 18" aluminum coupe style pizza pan made by Winco :

Coupe-Style Aluminum Pizza Pan - 18 Dia. | Pizza Pans & Plates


I also found wide-rimmed 19" and 20" aluminum pizza pans made by Winco :

Wide-Rimmed Aluminum Pizza Pan - 19 Dia. | Pizza Pans & Plates
Wide-Rimmed Aluminum Pizza Pan - 20 Dia. | Pizza Pans & Plates


However, I don't know the characteristics of the wide-rimmed pan. I think the coupe-style is best-suited to our purpose.

Here is a 20" coupe-style made by American Metalcraft :

20" Pizza Pan - Coupe Style - 1.5 mm Aluminum - 20" O.D. x 18" I.D. - American Metalcraft - HACTP20 - Pizza Serving Trays - ZESCO.com


WARNING: Because it's mail order it's hard to tell what the *real* diameter is. The specifications could be exact or off by +-? amount. That could effect it's usability (it's happened to me). Also, your wheel may have a metal trim around the edge. Depending on your preference, you may want the pan to be flush onto that or *inside* the trim to avoid the (micro?) chance of rubbing against the tire..

Therefore, buyer be wary.

CarloSW2

[KillerBeeZ]

Originally Posted by euromodder

The whole point of hypermiling is to stay off the brakes as much as possible, so it's not really an issue.


Are you sure they aren't sticking ?
If they aren't, change your driving style to avoid braking as much as possible.

I only pointed out the brake issue so it will be paid attention to. Most of you will never have any problems, indeed, most people who use brakes heavily wont have problems either.

I just wanted to point out the potential.

I cannot help using a lot of brakes as I have to drive in the city 90% of the time, and people here love to wait and pull out right in front of you hoping you will slam them and they get a insurance check. If you touch the front wheel rim at the end of my day you will burn yourself. So no, I am not sure they are not sticking... it is something I have been keeping an eye on.

[KillerBeeZ]

about the pans posted 2 posts above...

I have a set of these (3 sizes) I actually use them for making pizzas lol go figure.

Just wanted to note that the rims on these pans will hold water as they are curled to make that rim but are not sealed, this opening when you install these pans on your wheel will be on the outside. Its not a lot of water, and it really is no big deal, just wanted to let y'all know.

[KillerBeeZ]

Originally Posted by ECONORAM

Alright, a little update for you all. I am on version 2.1 of my wheel covers. I am now using unpainted black corrogated plastic, attached with parachute (550) cord laced around the wheel spokes. My center caps are recessed about 2-3 inches, so using Concrete's method won't work so well. I previously tried using self-adhesive velcro strips, but I kept losing a cover when I went over 65 mph. These stayed on at 85 mph, so I know 550 cord works... Just need to find something easier to remove.

what about making a frame for the cover, like a ring or such, something you can lace into the spokes that is open enough to remove the tire if needed, but is tapped to receive bolts from the covers?

[jennyfer99]

Good idea, quite creative I shoul say

[Bajascoob]

“Mostly Stock� Ford F-250 Runs 182 MPH at Bonneville .: Articles

Check this out, if it helps the f250 get to 180mph then it should be valid aero!

[kc7ekk]

I came up with a good way to mount these pizza pan hubcaps. You just need to modify some existing hubcaps and caulk/liquid nails some pans onto them.


https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?f...type=1&theater

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?f...type=1&theater

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?f...type=1&theater

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?f...type=1&theater

[gone-ot]

...there needs to be a [IMG] before each picture link and an [/IMG] after each picture link.

...Hey! Now that looks doable!

[Patrick]

Did you sand off the teflon on the pizza pan?

[kc7ekk]

I didn't. It might be a mistake but we'll see how long they stay on. My thinking at the time was, if they don't work out, at least I will still have 4 good pizza pans to use for cooking.