Domes in front of trailer

Discussion in 'Ask An Owner Operator' started by mmk trucking, Jan 4, 2021.

  1. mmk trucking

    mmk trucking Light Load Member

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    I have a. 9900i int how much fuel economy will i pick up if i put a dome if front of a trailer
     
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  2. Trucking in Tennessee

    Trucking in Tennessee Road Train Member

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    You only need a windbreaker where ever the bug line is. Doubtful you will see a great deal of difference.
     
  3. baha

    baha Road Train Member

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    If the truck has a flat top or mid/roof sleeper the dome will help on long expressway trips with the fuel mi.
     
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  4. Dino soar

    Dino soar Road Train Member

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    Does the dome do the same as a roof fairing?

    Can you use it instead of a roof fairing?
     
  5. OldeSkool

    OldeSkool Road Train Member

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    I removed the roof fairing on my truck when I was young and dumb cause it didn’t look “cool.” My fuel mileage dropped approximately .4 mpg. Idk how that compares to a trailer dome.
     
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  6. 77fib77

    77fib77 Road Train Member

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    I did the same for hauling tanks, now im dry box. I wonder how much a year in cash it is in fuel. 3k?
     
  7. jamespmack

    jamespmack Road Train Member

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    I've put nose cones on vans, hoopers, curtain sides for O/O. Mostly day cabs or flat top sleeper trucks. I have heard .2-.4 increase.

    I currently have no need on my trailers. But if I did, I would install one.
     
  8. OldeSkool

    OldeSkool Road Train Member

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    I put 80,000 miles a year on my truck. If my math is right that would save me around 1,450 gallons a year. If you figure diesel at $2.50 a gallon that’s $3,625 a year. For an OTR guy it would be a good bit more.
     
  9. OldeSkool

    OldeSkool Road Train Member

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    These kind of figures are very important to an O/O. Start comparing an older truck that makes around 2-3 mpg less than a nearly new truck and add in the additional down time and repair cost of an older truck versus a newer one. Also the newer and more expensive the truck the more tax depreciation you have.

    I drive a 3 year old truck pulling a 21 model trailer with guys in wore out million miler trucks hauling wood chips. They all say I have all the money, but I’ve had an old truck too. What so many don’t realize is you are money ahead with newer equipment. It will pay for the extra cost plus save you extra money. I’ve had old and I’ve had fairly new and new is much better, safer, and economical.
     
  10. ready2truck

    ready2truck Medium Load Member

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    What's the payment on a new truck?
    5.5mpg vs 8.5mpg at my average fuel cost of 2.30 saves 11.8k per year. Insurance goes up with a new truck.
    Without counting down time my calculations tell me new vs old is a wash.
    A benefit of an old paid off truck is if it does break there is no truck payment to worry about.