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Drag-Reducer Pickup Cap for Better Fuel Economy
January 19, 2009
In 2009, I will focus on development of an aftermarket product to improve fuel efficiency of pickup trucks by 30% or more. This is a drag reducer that also serves well as a cap over the truck bed. The truck drag-reducer cap design will be based on a previous successful drag reducer for the VW Beetle, shown in the photograph above.
Building of the United States economy in years ahead requires that we Americans increase the strength of domestic manufacturing. My desire is that a company will be formed to further develop and manufacture this pickup truck drag reducer and other products that result from the work. Alternatively, the new fuel efficiency products can be licensed to present U.S. manufacturers. The pickup truck drag reducer can be developed in a short time and other products for improving fuel economy are expected to follow.
Pickup Truck Drag Reducer
The drag reducer is a “pickup cap” covering the truck bed that smooths air flow to reduce aerodynamic drag. The aerodynamic cap design will follow principles used in a “wing” drag reducer for the VW New Beetle described at www.max-mpg.com Wheel well skirts and other features may be included to achieve best results. Aerodynamic drag is expected to be reduced from Cd = 0.45 to Cd = 0.32 or better. The resulting fuel economy increase was calculated to be about 30%. If better oil (for improved engine efficiency) and efficient tires are included in the modifications, the truck mileage may increase by as much as 60%.
For a Toyota Tacoma pickup with manual transmission, the resulting highway mileage may be over 40 miles per gallon. This is how I imagine a Toyota Pickup will look after modification--
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| 40 MPG Modified Toyota Pickup |
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