Pickup truck aeroshell
Introduction
Pickup trucks have high coefficients of drag. Fortunately, they're also ideal platforms for adding this highly effective aerodynamic modification.
A number of EcoModders have undertaken this task, recording highway fuel economy improvements of between 13-20% compared to an uncovered bed.
They can be built in such a way as to retain the usability of the bed as well.
Contents
Instructions for mod
Information required: How do people perform this modification, pictures, problems, what to look out for
Information required: A listing for different ways to do this if its different on different types of cars
User experiences
Please enter your user name and any relevant data in the table
| User Name | Car Make, Model, Year | Cost of Mod | Time to Perform Mod | MPG Before Mod | MPG After Mod | MPG improvement guess | Instruction Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ccrider | Toyota Tacoma 2002 | 25.775 | 26.863 | 4.2% | tacoma aerocap ABA test | ||
| cons | 04 Ranger | $300 | 20 hours | 30 MPG | 34 MPG | 11.76 (4 MPG) tank to tank testing, better results with trailing edge extended beyond tailgate | AeroRanger (brother to AeroJeep) boat-tail |
| t vago | 2000 Dodge Dakota Quad Cab | $170 | 40 hours | 18.9 MPG | 20.5 MPG | 8.3% | t_vago's compound curve foam board pickup aeroshell |
Problems / Consequences of mod
- Poorly constructed or mounted shells could fly off due to fast airflow
References
Forum thread links
Commercially produced aerodynamic pickup bed cap
Phil Knox fleet - 34 years of aeromodding
Nissan OEM pickup aeroshell / bed cap
