Mid roof sleeper on a van. Would a nose cone help?

You might be right Spyder. However I guess I never told you that I went and got my own numbers in june. And Double Yellow I appreciate your facts and advice, but I'm going with the nose cone, it's $759.00 so I feel it is worth it. And it is something I can install in my driveway. I have seen used skirts for about $500 so that may be the next thing.

 

They are a breeze to put on. Sorry I can't give you any better than "about a half mpg", like DY says, fuel data is so bloody noise. In my case I pulled off a reefer and put on the nose cone, and replaced trailer recaps with virgins. The whole deal upped mpg just under a MPG. Throw in Summer / Winter fuel, a leaking head gasket, and it's just hard to get it dialed in

 

I used to drive for a company that had mid roof Volvos, and we pulled tankers about 85% of the time, and then vans without a cone. I tried to talk the company into them, but they did not get it.

I remember going down steep hills in TN and such empty with the vans in a strong headwind, and the truck would not even coast without slowing down. A lot of drag.

Handling and safety is another issue. Can one imagine how unstable an arrow or a bullit would be with a flat shape instead of being aero...

Put your hand out the window with palm to the wind, and then make a fist. It is amazing the amount of drag reduction.

 

You did what?! That's it. No more koolaid for you.

But seriously, I wish you the best. How it works out for you.

 

Wind drag slowing down a nearly 35,000 lb truck coasting downhill because of no roof fairing? "Air brakes"? Lol. There's zero difference in how they drive with or without a roof fairing. In your shoes I wouldn't bother with a nose cone. But I pull a box full time and I have never bothered with a roof fairing or cone. You might pick up a couple of tenths mpg's. You could accomplish the same just by slowing down a little.

 

$389 installed (in MI) for brand new aerotech skirts if you mention the facebook 9mpg group:
https://m.facebook.com/groups/286964738134338?view=permalink&id=529470710550405

 

RC I really respect your advice and I know that you know your stuff, but I disagree. I went from a flat that when I was empty I got great mpg because of far less wind drag and yes far less weight. But like today when I unloaded in Grand Rapids the went home into the wind I could feel every wind gust and I could look at my scan gauge and see the mpg number go down in direct correlation, so the nose cone is going on. Maybe I have had different experiences than you, no disrespect but when I am on cruise going downhill my jake will not come on as quickly with the van. Again maybe its just a different perspective. By the way I want to thank you for the tips you have offered in the past to other people about negotiation, I still have a lot to learn though. Rob

 

I am just getting over the no koolaid withdrawls, but maybe it's just me but I am happier on my own. I did have a few issues with mercer which I won't get into on an open forum about. Good or bad decision I would do it again. And don't worry I am not selling my flat any time soon. Thank you for all the advice you have given me in the past Spyder. Rob.

 

Thanks AT, I bought the trailer with junk tires and bought some used tires to get by with for awhile but low rr tires are on the list. Unless I get bored and go back to the flat. LOL. Rob.

 

Pm,me and let me know it came off the rails, just saw you were gone from mercer