Any own an Aerobox? Does it work?

[fanaudical]

Saw this originally posted by kach22i in the random transportation pictures thread.

Does anybody have one of these for their truck?

Does it work as advertised for drag reduction?

https://www.ecoological.com/aerobox.html

https://www.ecoological.com/improved-truck-performance.html

[kach22i]

There is a University of Texas PDF/Graphic often cited in the Ecomodder forum illustrating the benefits of pickup truck tailgate up Vs down, roof wing, partial rear half bed cover, full tonneau cover and so on.

The long and short of is the rear half cover (dead air pocket) provides nearly the same benefits of a full bed cover.

Aerodynamics - Fuel Economy, Hypermiling, EcoModding News and Forum - EcoModder.com

I'd find and post the PDF for you, but I'm signing out.

Maybe later or just search it out for yourself.

[fanaudical]

I'll look that up - thanks!

[masraum]

I remember something that the mythbusters did where they spoke to, Ford, I think who said that with the tailgate up was actually better than tailgate down, which surprised me.

[wdfifteen]

Originally Posted by masraum

I remember something that the mythbusters did where they spoke to, Ford, I think who said that with the tailgate up was actually better than tailgate down, which surprised me.

They did some testing of that on one of the shows and concluded tailgate up was more aerodynamic than tailgate down.

[944 S2]

If you search you’ll find an SAE paper that concludes tailgate up is best for aero.
The aero box is interesting and amusing. The added weight would negate the aero benefit. If you want a box in the bed buy a Ridgeline!

[kach22i]

I found the image discussed.

https://tylerlinner1.kinja.com/a-practical-guide-to-a-pickup-truck-aero-mods-1718476233

SAE Paper 881874, 7-10 Nov 1988

"Pickup truck drag reduction-- devices that reduce drag without limiting truck utility"

This is an example of a "half cover"

Help! quick and dirty 'tarp topper' to aero pickup? - Fuel Economy, Hypermiling, EcoModding News and Forum - EcoModder.com


I have a roof wing and full bed cover on my pickup truck.

Also have a large front chin spoiler and a rear spoiler.

All in all it stays glued to the road with no loss in mpg, in fact there is a gain.



EDIT:
Retired aerodynamicist said this about the original image/product.

http://ecomodder.com/forum/showthread.php/pickup-truck-aerodynamics-20744-14.html#post562168

Originally Posted by aerohead

It may be a mistake to make a general claim about improvements.
In the early 90s,pickups revealed a range of reactions for box modifications,and what helped one brand could hurt another.I'd ask for info. about any specific model tested.

[Tobra]

A side mount box would be more utilitarian, in my estimation. Rear mount is easier access to get in and out of the tool box, but would block the bed, forcing you to lift cargo over the side.

I opened the thread expecting to see a kammback thing tapering from the top of the cab to the tailgate.