My mileage increased from 9.8 to 11 on a trip from North Wales to Pittsburgh on the same road with the same load after I installed Air Tabsâ,,¢.
You can watch a video of wind tunnel tests and get all the info @ www.airtabs.com
Frank
NOTE: I installed them backwards. D:oH! When I contacted Air Tabs, they stated they would be about 80% efficient and this is a common mistake. Removal would probably destroy them as I added a screw and caulked teach one for security W% Frank Pics to follow
I used 56 Airtabs spaced at the Max 4 in centers Frank
(http://i115.photobucket.com/albums/n314/Liv42dayOK/CW/Attachments/froggy1936/Airtabs2A.jpg) (http://i115.photobucket.com/albums/n314/Liv42dayOK/CW/Attachments/froggy1936/Roofl-s.jpg) (http://i115.photobucket.com/albums/n314/Liv42dayOK/CW/Attachments/froggy1936/roofr-s.jpg)
On current trip from North Wales to Carlisle (Thanksgiving dinner @ relatives) MPG was 10.75 @ 55 MPH Then on bal of trip to Pgh i kicked the speed up to 60 (RPM @ 3000) and MPG dropped to 8 MPG 5 MPH difference,( dropped 2.75 MPG) Frank
Another added benefit of Air Tabs, If you tow a vehicle behind your Motorhome they will help keep it cleaner , This is especially helpful with Diesels to keep the exhaust residue off the windshield of the toad. - Frank
Now that you've been using them over a good distance, can you figure any value to gas mileage increase?
The last two fillups have produced a 10.5 MPG @ 59 MPH average down here in the south along the coast its pretty level I am grossing 11400 lb running the 10 ply radial tires at frt 75 lb rears @ 80 lb due to being overloaded by 400 lbs I am going to remove the bug shield and see if that helps I cant run at 55 due to R/R tire has a out of balance condition (must have thrown a weight) So run at 49 MPH or 59 MPH These are without useing the HO generator at all will keep ya posted Frank
Alrighty, Frank - can you verify if the investment is worth the return?
Yeah, we'd be very interested in this as well! Especially with all the long trips we make!
They aren't cheap, at 2.75 each or 220.00 per 100, so we'd love to know if they would be worth it in the long run. You need 3 per foot, so if our RV is approximately 10 feet high from bottom to top, and 8 feet across, we'd need enough to do 28 feet, or 28x3=84. 84x2.75=231.00, so for us we might as well get the kit of 100 and have some extras left over.
Let us know what you think Frank!
Kev
They definatly do help . But would i spend the $ and the time again ? Yes and install them correctly . They are no problem after installation And they do help with drag & keep rear window clear in the rain Frank
Thank you, Sir. I do recall visiting the website and reading the info. This may be a very sensible addition for those who do some mileage on the open highway.
WOW Guy's THIS should be headline news! Working with Air foils & wings has taught me a lot about the thin liquid we exist in. I think this product should be STANDARD equipment just for the safety aspect. Air dams & wings have a place for safety & the mileage increase is a constant meaning put them on & forget about it! Insomuch as mileage decrease quantifies above 45 mph ( I can't drive 55) it really pisses people off when you drive slow on a main interstate or highway to save fuel keeping up will be greatly appreciated by fellow motorists. Anything requiring NO maintenance after install is great! Tie these in with a Panhard bar & the ride should be easier on the STRESS factor thereby extending cruise time No more "Wagging the dog" means a more pleasurable driving experience. GOOD FIND! Thanks for the info!