Airtabs on a van?

[terryandrene]

Airtabs have been discussed in previous EO threads and I have seen them on a few straight trucks and tractors. The airtab is a small, triangular shaped, plastic, self adhering item that is fastened to the rear edge of a vehicle. http://www.airtab.com/ describes them as follows:

"Airtabsâ„¢ are unique, Vortex Generators (VG) that have been specially designed for trucks. They work by creating a controlled swirl of air, or vortex which actually reduces wind resistance (or aerodynamic drag).Aerodynamic drag has long been a target for fuel economy on trucks."

My 2006 Chevrolet 3500 has gotten 17.9 miles per gallon during 3975 miles of a combination of highway, city, loaded, and empty miles recorded earlier this year. During the middle of May, I installed 34 airtabs on the rear of my van. I did so out of curiosity to determine if they were of value on a typical van.

My test period, which ended on June 1, occured over 3176 miles where I used 168.834 gallons of fuel for an average MPG of 18.81. My driving style and combination of driving conditions were comparable during my before and after airtab test. Needless to say, I'm very pleased with the performance of these little plastic triangles. In addition to a 5% increase in mileage, I get a greatly reduced dirt buildup on the rear of the van. I also had better visibility, during rain, in the door mounted rearview mirrors because the modified airflow diminished the air turbulance behind the van.

[TeamCaffee]

It would really be nice if you could post a picture so we could see exactly how you applied the AirTabs.

Very interesting on how the AirTabs inceased the fuel milage on a van.

[Packmule]

I wouldn't leave home without them!!!

Much better stability in wind and passing big trucks!
Clean rear doors!
Better rear visability in heavy rain!
Slight MPG improvement.

Danny

[The Enemy]

I wonder if these air tabs would improve the stability of my sprinter in high winds and when semi's are passing me.

[terryandrene]

I think they would be particulary good on a Sprinter due to the square rear. I'm not sure of the clearance when the door is fully opened; you'd need about and inch. 3 tabs per foot, up the sides and across the roof at $2.50 per.

[TeamCaffee]

Terry's Van with Air Tabs

[Moot]

Terry, did you mount your Q.C. bracket inside and drop the antenna into it?

[terryandrene]

MOot:

No. I cut a circular hole the width of the diameter of the QC antenna, not counting the stainless clamp. I added a foam gasket around the perimeter of the hole and dropped the antenna into the hole. It just sits there. I then added a Fan-tastik, fanless vent over the dome as you see in the foto. When I'm done with this van, I'll open the vent lid, lift out the antenna, replace the bug screen over the hole and close the lid. The next owner will have a vented cargo area.

[Moot]

Great idea Terry! No bolt holes and more headroom inside with out the bracket. Is it fairly secure resting on the clamp?

[Moot]

Terry, did you get a tour of the Packvan?

[OntarioVanMan]

Where do you buy the air tabs and how much?

[terryandrene]

OVM

www.airtab.com $2.50 ea. use 3 per linear foot. They may not adhere well to extreme curved surface which is why I left off adjacent to my bumper

Mott

The Pacvan is among the best I've seen. Functional for the freight and the inhabitants. Neat and clean with a hole in his roof for the QC antenna. Really enjoyed meeting Danny and his bride and putting a face to the voice and screen name

My antenna is snug in the hole and can't move in any direction. The wires are each on the underside.

[OntarioVanMan]

hmmmm...domain is for sale....anywhere else??

[terryandrene]

OVM try again

[OntarioVanMan]

ok it worked! thanx....