Van and trailer mods

[oldtamiyaphile]

An electric radiator fan is a 'maybe' in terms of efficiency. Converting fuel to electricity and back to kinetic energy isn't efficient, compared to a simple mechanical fan and clutch. If you can loose the belt you may see a gain, if your car is such that the belt's needed to run something else, there won't be much in it.

I did a rear axle to bumper pan on my van, it was super easy and the dirtiest part of the underside. The airdam probably diverts enough air that a forward pan would be of little benefit.

[cRiPpLe_rOoStEr]

Originally Posted by oldtamiyaphile

An electric radiator fan is a 'maybe' in terms of efficiency. Converting fuel to electricity and back to kinetic energy isn't efficient, compared to a simple mechanical fan and clutch. If you can loose the belt you may see a gain, if your car is such that the belt's needed to run something else, there won't be much in it.

An electric fan leads to faster warm-up times, which is already advantageous as the engine reaches its optimum temperature sooner, and the fan drive is usually lighter and has less friction losses, so it's not a bad deal at all.

[aerohead]

Originally Posted by chrisgerman1983

Thanks for all the suggestions. I do pull the trailer around every couple days. I leave it on site when possible. It is my shop and all my sales gear is in the van. All my samples and all that stay in the van. I could fill in a bit between the van and trailer. Boar tail wouldnt be an option though. The trailer has a ramp rear door so I could do a camback. Hmm lots of options. Is it worth doing a belly pan with an air dam?

Realistically,I can't imagine any meaningful mpg improvements without extremely radical changes,the exact kinds of changes which would impact your customary day to day use of the rig.
It's gotta look like a moon-shot.

[iamnotahippee]

I am feeling your pain man! A work vehicle is hard. You walk the fine line between efficient vehicle travel, and efficient production. A smaller more fuel efficient vehicle might help, but if it requires making an extra trip, then it is a loss overall.

[cRiPpLe_rOoStEr]

Originally Posted by iamnotahippee

A smaller more fuel efficient vehicle might help, but if it requires making an extra trip, then it is a loss overall.

Blame it on the NHTSA for the American vans being kinda oversized in a comparison to Asian and European vans of similar cargo capacities.

[iamnotahippee]

Yup. And heavy.

[cRiPpLe_rOoStEr]

Originally Posted by iamnotahippee

Yup. And heavy.

Some folks in America still think a good commercial vehicle is a gas hog, but many Euro and Jap mid-size vans have a comparable capability to an American full-size van in a lighter and more compact package, which also enhances the maneuvering in tight spaces and in some cases also leads to a better off-road capability.