9+ MPG Class 8 5 Axel Trucks with Trailers

I covered up Alcoa Durabrite wheels and not meaning to disagree, but the covers are stainless steel and not coated aluminum. The stainless steel will be alot more durable than the Durabrite wheels are.

 

Yes those are the Airtabs on leading edge on the fairing on sleeper cab....



Airtabs website: http://www.airtab.com/main.html

Cost about $200 plus shipping to do the tractor and takes around 1 hour to install them.

They might help about 1/10th mpg, but I love the fact they keep my mirrors clean and make the truck more stable in a crosswind. Somehow the get rid of the vortex along side the truck cab that keeps mirrors clean from spray wash during the rain. They are worth the investment.

 

My switching from duals to super singles only was 160 lbs lighter, but that was switching almost worn out (5/32 tread) Bridgestone 11R22.5 M720 Fuel Saver Tires and switched to brand new (25/32 tread) Michelin 455/55R22.5 X-One XDA Energy Tires.

Maybe the difference would be more if the Bridgestone were new with the extra weight of the new rubber being alot more. Maybe 100 lbs total over 8 tires, but I don't think 400 lbs. Even the smaller 445/50R22.5 that are 60 lbs lighter (4 tires) than the bigger 455/55R22.5s would maybe get it closer to 400lbs lighter than duals.

Like mentioned earlier, even the 160lbs less rotating weight will make a difference.

 

They do add around 30lbs of weight to the truck since they are steel which is heavier than aluminum.

 

That front diff that all the power goes through along with the power divider creates alot of drag in the 6*4.

MicroBlue helps alot.

Listen to Kevin Rutherford on his radio show talk about his single axle tractor (4*2) gained 4/10ths mpg with MicroBlue treated rear end: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/kevinrutherford1/2011/11/12/weekend
It's about 45 minutes into the show.

MicroBlue Treating both rear ends in my truck picked up 8/10ths mpg with the wheel bearings on all 3 axles picking up 4/10ths mpg for a total gain of 1.2 mpg using MicroBlue.

I am hoping to work in getting my 13 speed double OD Eaton Tranny done with MicroBlue along with dropping the oil pan to replace the main bearings with MicroBlue treated bearings and maybe getting my new Pittsburgh Power (Borg Warner) turbo disassembled and MicroBlued.

 

All metal to metal surfaces.

They are doing a 13 speed now for somebody else and should be in the truck next week.