Cattle Trucks and Aerodynamics

Discussion in 'Experienced Truckers' Advice' started by Dr. Venture, Jul 28, 2008.

  1. Jul 28, 2008 #1
    Dr. Venture

    Dr. Venture Medium Load Member

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    Why do most cattle haulers run a mid-roof or flattop tractor? The trailer itself looks to be an aerodynamic nightmare, but wouldn't the problem just be amplified by not having a fairing to direct air over top of the unit? Is it just more of a tradition and pride thing, or is there a technical reason behind it? Whatever the reason, the fuel mileage on these rigs must be awful.
     
    Dr. Venture, Jul 28, 2008
    Dr. Venture, Jul 28, 2008
    #1
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  3. Jul 28, 2008 #2
    bullhaulerswife

    bullhaulerswife Forum Leader/Admin Staff Member Administrator

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    Yup, you hit the nail on the head. Hubby was getting 4.91mpg with the bull rack. Now he's hitting 7 hauling a grain wagon.

    We added a top fairing to the truck, which brought it up a bit, when he was hauling the bull rack. Maybe a half a gallon or so.
     
    bullhaulerswife, Jul 28, 2008
    bullhaulerswife, Jul 28, 2008
    #2
  4. Jul 28, 2008 #3
    25(2)+2

    25(2)+2 Trucker Forum STAFF Staff Member

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    I pull step decks with a chicken top, basically same height as a box, a friend pulls the same with his flattop, he gets about 4.5 or less I get up to 6 with a condo.


    On the other hand, we have a guy pulling bullrack with a mid roof, he gets better mileage than the guys pulling with a condo, just that much better at running the machine. Either that or a Series 60 is that much better than a N-14.
     
    25(2)+2, Jul 28, 2008
    25(2)+2, Jul 28, 2008
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