Tailgate "wings" on a tonnau cover? - Page 2 - Fuel Economy, Hypermiling, EcoModding News and Forum

Blu3Z3rg · 03-26-2011, 03:17 PM

Well, I haven't tuft tested it, i've only watched snow, examined snow piling up, rain coming off roof, etc.
BUT, all those things would be falling anyways, so they may be hitting sooner than the air anways. Seems that rain/snow hits about 3/4 the way back and then goes straight back. I could see it in the snow that would stay on the back of the truck. It actually wore grooves in it and everything for me
Tuft testing coming this spring I guess!
Kinda want a handle on the thing though....

aerohead · 03-26-2011, 05:45 PM

I just wanted to concur with what the others have said.The tufts will tell you about re-attachment.
If they're pointing towards the rear you're good.
If not,the spoiler will reach higher and hopefully catch the airstream free of turbulence.
As far as tailgate spoilers,what t vago said is what I've read.The truck will do better with the gate up and the 'spoiler' will hopefully help remind you to raise the gate.
Final thought.I have installed only the back half of an 'aeroshell' on a rigid tonneau.This structure fills in a portion of the otherwise larger turbulent wake behind the cab.It better tailors the locked-vortex.You might see an 8% mpg increase.

Blu3Z3rg · 03-26-2011, 10:08 PM

Dodge - 2010 Dakota - Design - Beds and Cabs

They put this "spoiler" on the new dakotas as well... probably so they keep the tailgate up. I like the halfway up setup they have there though... a 4x8 sheet has to sit on top of the wheel wells, and that would really help support it. Great idea for a small truck.

too bad they're discontinuing the truck

BamZipPow · 03-27-2011, 04:51 PM

Did you notice that the tonneau cover requires you to remove the spoiler/wing?

Blu3Z3rg · 03-27-2011, 10:08 PM

LOL yes bam!
If you read the original post, the idea was to put this wing ON the cover, partly as a handle. If the wing seems like it will be of no value, then I will be putting on a small handle. I get greasy/messy/dusty/dirty and it really mucks up the back of the truck since I have to just lift on the lip of the lid. I will be putting SOMETHING back there, but if it's just a handle, i'll put it behind the lid, so that the air should go over it. If the "spoiler" is at least a little effective, then i'll add that since it is made of heavy duty rubber/plastic and I won't feel bad getting it a little dirty.

I hope to tuft test a little this week to see where the air is reattached to the truck in the back at speed (usually a max of 70 mph)

PS. Working on electric fan from my mustang, woot!

BamZipPow · 03-27-2011, 10:10 PM

You might be able to shape a pool noodle to the same shape and attach it with some tape to yer tonneau cover.

Frank Lee · 03-28-2011, 06:34 PM

At the 1:00 and 2:33 min marks it shows the flow completely missing the lower 1/4 of the windshield... just sayin'!

Blu3Z3rg · 03-28-2011, 06:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Frank Lee

At the 1:00 and 2:33 min marks it shows the flow completely missing the lower 1/4 of the windshield... just sayin'!

LOL it's a truck, but yeah...
I'm sure as time progresses, the standard will be like .35 for trucks and .2 for cars, but till then... there is room for improvement!