AIRTAB

While I would agree somewhat that there are a lot of products that make big claims, they can't deliver on, I don't take quite the cynical view you have. Kinda like the old saying "don't throw the baby out with the bath water". It is hard to comprehend that a aircell spacer in the intake of a turbo charged engine is going to really make a difference, just as that turbo 3000 device. But some things do make sense and are at least worth a try. After taking off my hood bug deflector, there was an increase in mpg. After putting a blocking plate in between the Egr tube and my intake, there was another increase. The low rolling resistance tires and the air tabs were just icing on the cake. But an average year round mpg of 7.3 compared to the original yearly average of around 6.5 is nothing to sneeze at. And the speed at which I drive and the average payloads I haul have been consistent.

All things, no matter how rediculous the seem, are at least worth the time to consider. But there has to be a reasoned approach to figuring out if they seem worth trying. Just because a trucking radio talk show host mentions using something makes it neither good nor bad.

 

But something also worth adding here. Do those that poo poo some of the "snake oil" devices also defend to the death your choice, of say, motor oil? Even though it is categorically true that virtually all the base oil stocks in the U.S. are made by one company, Motiva out of Port Arthur, TX? And likewise, vast majority of oil additive packages are made by Infineum. Yet, some will virtually get into a yelling match over label slapped on a jug of oil. People who live in glass houses......

But then, I can remember when the T600 "Ant Eater" first came on the scene and was criticized so much, even though we all know now that aerodynamics do play an important role in good mpg.

 

I too remeber when the ant eaters came out. Ugliest things I ever saw. Now 95% of the trucks on the road look just like 'em. But, they are practical. I just don't want one.

It's aid that if you repeat a lie long enough it eventually seems to be true. I think that's the deal with the turbo 3000. I heard and saw so many of thier ads that I considered buying one, all the while knowing they are worthless. Just like that Air Cell I put in my intake. It was like shoving a balled up sock in there. Makes ya think...

 

Man I love this. I have an 07 W-9 and I kill the pointy trucks in my division as far as fuel mileage is concerned . All other trucks on my load for that matter. My truck runs proper fuel pressure, immaculate maintenance , rock hard tires and a bullydog down loader among a few other easy things, and pulling B-trains at 140 000 #'s having a " BIG rad " is the last thing I worry about.

I'd made up my mind well before I bought my truck that I'd rather be long and tall at 57 than pointy and invisible at 63. If I were making any more money I'd likely be just thinking of how to spend it on something that can get my blood pumping anyway. My truck makes me enjoy going to work....... priceless ....


As an edit I think Kevin Rutherford is a very smart man. Even if you only can't find fault in 1/4 of what he sais he'll help you make more money and he'll turn a profit doing it. I personally agree strongly with most of what he teaches , even though some of it doesn't apply to my heavy application. I'm still willing to make the sacrifice if need be for a cooool truck ..

 

You went from 6.5 to 7.3 because you are good trucker and was apparently focused on doing so. All those "devices" had nothing to it, you did it with you right foot and brain. You could run talk show yourself - but wouldn't make money. To make money you gotta sell snake oil. To be a snake oil salesman you have to use fake numbers no one can really prove or disprove - like mpg numbers

 

I am not exactly sure of what ProduceHauler is implying but the post above seems to be a bit derogatory. For the record I believe you Cowpie1. I have seen enough of your posts that your not the kind to knowingly give false info. There are "devices" that do work and are not snake oil. The Aircell the contaption that goes in the intake is snake oil. Airtabs that stick on your trailer I have heard good reports from several sources that say they work and not salesmen either.
To each his own.

 

if air tabs do not help in any way in m.p.g. but make a difference in stabalizing the ride, it is worth it, i.m.o.

 

There is no difference between Rotella and Delvac to me, I'm not even sure which one I have right now in the engine. I just drop it between 15k and 17k miles - that's all I care about oil. Also, I'm driving very aerodynamic truck and my mpg numbers are exactly where they are supposed to be for the job I do. I'm just not interested in slowing down - that's the only way to improve fuel mileage.

The award for most incredible bull**** I have heard goes for Airtab's "improving stability" claim. This is really offence to any "believer" intelligence - lack of it actually.

 

I've never used airtabs, BUT i have noticed every FedEX company truck i've seen lately (day cabs AND road trucks) ALL have air tabs on the tractors........

If they are painted the same color as the truck they are not that noticible, so i'd buy them if i owned a truck....



American Trucker

 

I know ppl want to call the aircell snake oil and no I am not a salesman but I put it in my fl columbia with detroit 60 14 L and went from 6.3-6.5 to 6.9-7.2 and I run a dedicated route same road same fuel stops every week.