fuel mileage test results

[rank]

Truck News, a Canadian trucking rag reported results this month from an independent fuel mileage test on a track in Quebec.

1) Super singles on the drives and the trailer = 9.7%
2) Those areo wings that bolt to the underside of vans came in at ~7%
3) Boat tails were ~5%
4) There was an in-line fuel thingy the improved mileage by ~4%
5) Full fenders 1%

[no_worries]

I think I'm going to start experimenting with a few things in the new year.

[dteam270]

Is the in-line fuel thingy. the illusive turbo 3000. LOL

[solo379]

I think I'm going to start experimenting with a few things in the new year.

That's good! But somehow, those "Canadian" numbers, don't seems to be real to me...
So, if your results would be half of what's posted, don't get disappointed! :wink:

[no_worries]

Don't worry solo, my decision has nothing to do with any Canuck studies Although, I give a lot more credence to much of their info than what comes out down here. With the relatively recent emphasis on fuel mileage, there has been a boom in new studies and technologies resulting in lots of new products. The problem is much of it doesn't go through sufficient testing to verify claims. I'm just going to do my own 8)

Actually, I believe all the numbers in rank's study except for the fuel line thing...I don't know about that one

[Dispatch_This]

1) Super singles on the drives and the trailer = 9.7%
2) Those areo wings that bolt to the underside of vans came in at ~7%
3) Boat tails were ~5%
4) There was an in-line fuel thingy the improved mileage by ~4%
5) Full fenders 1%

Numbers 2,3,5 effect the drag co-effecient so it would be interesting to know what the average test MPH was. If you run out west at 70+ then a savings of 12% or better is substantial for a relatively small investment.

[solo379]

I'm just going to do my own 8)

Let us know!
Tho, i still believer, that the most gain, could be achieved from the proper driving technique, I'm always open for the other options... 8)

[no_worries]

Tho, i still believer, that the most gain, could be achieved from the proper driving technique...

I agree 100%. I've actually been doing some reading about the hydrogen systems. Not from anything related to trucking but hydrogen systems used on diesel engines in general. I'm thinking about trying one out. We'll see, they ain't cheap

[rank]

1) Super singles on the drives and the trailer = 9.7%
2) Those areo wings that bolt to the underside of vans came in at ~7%
3) Boat tails were ~5%
4) There was an in-line fuel thingy the improved mileage by ~4%
5) Full fenders 1%

Numbers 2,3,5 effect the drag co-effecient so it would be interesting to know what the average test MPH was. If you run out west at 70+ then a savings of 12% or better is substantial for a relatively small investment.

-Test track was the (7km concrete oval) Federal Government Transport. Canada facility in Blainville, Quebec.
-Test was done in October.
-Tests were 100km.
-Test conformed to SAE J1321 fuel consumption test procedure - type II
-Fuel line thingy was by a company called "Econoco" of St-Jerome, Quebec.

Sadly, no mention of the test speed.

[rank]

I'm just going to do my own 8)

Let us know!
Tho, i still believer, that the most gain, could be achieved from the proper driving technique, I'm always open for the other options... 8)

Driving technique can save you much more than 10%.

Driving technique can save you much more than 10%.

Yup, I agree with that. I hardly tried at all and my mileage went way up but I got bored real quick.

[solo379]

I hardly tried at all and my mileage went way up but I got bored real quick.

It's about "money", not about "fun"!
BTW I'm having "fun" when i could achieve something in a more efficient way! :wink:

[Orange Andy]

I think we still need to work on the frontal area. Even on the aero's, there is just too much mass hitting the air.

Since overall length is already maxed, the solutions are few, but what about a retractable spoiler that could be extended out beyond the grille, when you are on the freeway at speeds over say 50 mph? The wing could slice the oncoming air, and steer it up over the trailer, though to do this, it would have to extend beyond the bumper about 5 feet.

Instead of the wall of air hitting the grille, it would rise up and over the truck, greatly reducing drag. This and a boat tail trailer would slice thru the air pretty well.

I see the drag co-efficient as the biggest problem to mpg. But am not an engineer.