Need help with Aerocap for 05 Dodge Ram.

[Fat Charlie]

Originally Posted by Xist

What percentage of gain for a 900% increase in effort?

Design and construction effort happens once. Percentage gain in efficiency is forever.

Then there's the knowledge and skills gained as part of that increased effort, they stay too.

Originally Posted by Vajra

Xist... After the government realizes your effort surpasses all known FE, they arrest you and take your truck. So... 900% effort ends in 99 years of solitary confinement No gains...

And that's just what they'll report. It's the internet searches for smoke grenades that'll bring them to your door, terrorist.

[freebeard]

What happens if you need to carry a load in your truck, which means the tail end of the cap is up in the air by 2-3'? ... Last thing that would help would be a giant air brake!

Which is exactly what you would have. Nothing worth doing is easy.

Alligatoring open is only one possibility. You could have triangular sail panels with 3 or 4 retractable sections that stack up under the front. You could have 3 or 4 hoops that fan out from the middle of the bed sides with a heavy canvas top like an old touring car.



Maybe a straight cap with a 45° chamfer a la Morelli? But then you're still limited in load height. Work out the use case. What would it be OK to not be able to do?

[t vago]

Originally Posted by Vajra

What happens if you need to carry a load in your truck, which means the tail end of the cap is up in the air by 2-3'?

I designed my aerocap to be easily removeable in those rare cases I need to haul something that won't fit. The aerocap stays home, then.

[slowmover]

Great thread. As I own pretty much the same truck, even more so. Have had a hard time logging in while on the road. OP, a cover is worthwhile. Stack stuff farther forward. Rent a trailer when you need one.

Were you, say, a contractor or rancher you wouldn't bother with a cap. So don't sweat the occasional load requiring a trailer.

My LEER cap must weigh 300-lb or more. Takes 3-4 men to remove due to length. Not worth the effort.