Swede's AeroLid build thread

[KamperBob]

Originally Posted by swede

Very sharp - nice work. I suppose folks with trucks, especially big engines always loafing along find this mod appealing. My truck is for towing so I prefer to let the engine and transmission coolers breathe easy. I appreciate your craftsmanship though.

Cheers
KB

[MetroMPG]

First time perusing this thread.

Looks good, swede & thanks for documenting the build. Added to the project library. The more the merrier!

[gasstingy]

Swede, great job on the aerolid and the grille block. Thanks for taking the time to document the build as it progressed and share it with the rest of us. This is yet another inspiration to the rest of us!

[bondo]

Nice work Swede on your aerolid. I have missed this post and want to comment on the crafty job you have done. It has an F-117 flavor to it.

Good job on the grille block also. I see where it fits right on the "M" of GMC.

I read you noticed a reduction in cabin wind noise. I noticed this also. Reduction in wind noise = reduction in turbulent air = reduction in aerodynamic drag. Hope you show some positive results in fuel efficiency improvement.

Keep up the good work!

Bondo

[swede]

Originally Posted by bondo

Nice work Swede on your aerolid. I have missed this post and want to comment on the crafty job you have done. It has an F-117 flavor to it.
Keep up the good work!

Bondo

Coming from you Bondo that means a lot. Thanks.

I have noticed a definite positive effect on FE and it looks like the lid will be on for good unless I need the extra space in the bed. Next step is to incorporate a hinge system that allows me to flip it up from the rear like a solid tonneau cover with gas strut supports.

The coroplast really doesn't like the heat and tends to sag and buckle when the temps hit the 30 C range. Any lightweight alternatives out there that you can think of?? (I'm not good at all with fiber and resin so that is out)

Thanks

Swede

[vskid3]

Originally Posted by swede

The coroplast really doesn't like the heat and tends to sag and buckle when the temps hit the 30 C range. Any lightweight alternatives out there that you can think of?? (I'm not good at all with fiber and resin so that is out)

Bajascoob used 4 mil plastic sheeting for his. It shouldn't flap around too bad. Or it could be the black heating up in the sun, so white coroplast might not sag as bad.

[swede]

Results..........

I finally had an opportunity to do some A-B-A testing and had some very exciting results. I took the truck on the same route that I normally do every weekend, a 230km trip each way. The data is from the on-board trip computer.

Here's what I came up with...

1- no cover, with wind, 230km traveled, average FE 20.5 MPG us
2- no cover, against wind, 230km traveled, average FE 19.5 MPG us
3- Aerolid installed, with wind, 230km traveled, average FE 23 MPG us

The results show a 13% improvement!!!!
There may be some variables that I am unaware of that swayed these numbers but the total 690km was traveled during the same day with the same weather, wind, speed, etc.

There was a very definite improvement in amount of wind noise and the feel of the truck stability wise with the cover installed. Wind buffeting seemed to be reduced compared to an open bed. I'll be sticking with this for sure and looking at some practical functionality improvements now.

(very well traveled today)

Swede

[NeilBlanchard]

That is excellent -- good work!

[bondo]

Your hard work is paying off. Thanks for sharing your test results.

12-15% improvement in fuel efficiency with the installation of an aerolid seems to be the rule. I tend to see around a 15% improvement as does round.boater who has one of my Aerolids on his Ford F-150. He has a nice fuel log posted here on ecomodder.

I also notice my truck being much more stable with the lid in place and the interior wind noise is much less.

You guys who build your own aerolids have my respect. I do hope someday things will work out to where I can get my product to market. People as yourself who see positive fuel saving results with their lids definitely helps with the marketing aspect.

Thanks,

Bondo

[swede]

Today.....

Going against a 33km/h headwind/crosswind @ 105km/h I got 20.5MPG us during a 230km stretch.

I'd say that's a pretty solid result. Maybe I should start a fuel log on this thing!!!

Swede.

BTW, where do I get those ecomodder stickers so I can start spreading the word??