Air tabs on cargo vans?

Murraycroexp · Jun 20, 2013

Anyone running air tabs on a CV? Any pseudo-scientific results numbers? I gained 1.0-2.5 MPH just by using the Lucas Upper Cylinder Lube. I haven't changed anything else really. Driving habits and idle time (virtually none) unchanged.

letzrockexpress · Jun 20, 2013

Several years ago I used Airtabs on my cutaway van. I realized absolutely no difference in performance or MPG.

Murraycroexp · Jun 20, 2013

Yeah, I figure if they made much difference AT ALL every vanner out there would have them on.
Thanks!!

More opinions????

ihamner · Jun 20, 2013

We love our air tabs and wouldn't go without them. We have not seen much difference in fuel savings but that buffering that occurs every single time a big truck or motor home passes us has been greatly reduced. Until we added the air tabs I never realized how often I gripped the steering wheel as a big truck was going around us. We love them and they are not that expensive. india

tknight · Jun 20, 2013

They do lighten the van weight (money not in your pocket) I'm not sold on em

Murraycroexp · Jun 20, 2013

ihamner said:
We love our air tabs and wouldn't go without them. We have not seen much difference in fuel savings but that buffering that occurs every single time a big truck or motor home passes us has been greatly reduced. Until we added the air tabs I never realized how often I gripped the steering wheel as a big truck was going around us. We love them and they are not that expensive. india

Very cool. Safety!! The best reason for almost any expense.
Thanks!!

Murraycroexp · Jun 20, 2013

tknight said:
They do lighten the van weight (money not in your pocket) I'm not sold on em

Thanks tknight!! I value both sides of this equally.

Turtle · Jun 20, 2013

There's really not much more I can add to this article:
Expedite Now Trucking Magazine - An Expediter and his AirTabs

It's why the buffeting when a big truck passes is reduced, why the rear doors stay cleaner (and free of snow for larger trucks with those roll-up doors), and why the road spray behind your vehicle stays lower and out of your mirror views and off the windshields of the vehicles behind you.

Murraycroexp · Jun 20, 2013

Thanks Turtle!! I'll read it when stopped next. Too many miles ahead tonight still.

LDB · Jun 20, 2013

I have them on my van on the sides. I'm vertically challenged and haven't gotten out a ladder to do across the roof yet. They don't affect mileage much, if any, but I do know they don't reduce it and might give .1-.2 better mpg. As mentioned, it does reduce the effect of road spray behind and to the sides. That visibility improvement is worth the small cost to me. I'll have them on any van I have.

westmicher · Jun 20, 2013

The tapered tail on my truck also seems to eliminate buffeting completely while rejoining the air at the back of the truck more smoothly.

Murraycroexp · Jun 20, 2013

Ok, I hit a rest stop to read that. Looks like I MAY expect savings of about $30-$50 per week. That's probably well worth the cost in my book. Even if my estimates are high, I hear the other benefits some are mentioning.

asjssl · Jun 20, 2013

Murraycroexp said:
Thanks Turtle!! I'll read it when stopped next. Too many miles ahead tonight still.

Were not reading/typing and driving are we..:thumbdown:

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Murraycroexp · Jun 20, 2013

No. Speech to text.

Murraycroexp · Jun 20, 2013

Except the thumbs.

guido4475 · Jun 20, 2013

Since I put airtabs on my spartan body ford i have noticed a huge difference in handling in all kinds of weather. Regardless of how windy it is for the most part I can drive with one hand on the wheel while being able to keep it straight. Not much MPG improvement, but the increase in handling alone is well worth the cost.

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Murraycroexp · Jun 20, 2013

Excellent, Guido. Ya, I've seen your truck out there on the road about a dozen times. I'd be happy with handling and drivability improvements as mentioned. Of course I'd love another .5-1.0 MPG.
Thanks!!

paullud · Jun 20, 2013

I'm wondering if a ST or TT would have better results for MPG because of the length and body design.

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Turtle · Jun 20, 2013

paullud said:
I'm wondering if a ST or TT would have better results for MPG because of the length and body design.

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The bigger and boxier, the more dramatic the difference, for the reasons listed in that incredibly well written and informative article linked above.

Moot · Jun 20, 2013

Turtle said:
The bigger and boxier, the more dramatic the difference, for the reasons listed in that incredibly well written and informative article linked above.

Author! Author!