Air Tabs?

[down_home]

I saw part of a program about Semi Driver life stiles.
One of the Advertisers was Air Tab.
The subject comes up infrequently but nothing decisively or ancedotaly has determined it a great idea. I understand the physics and aerodynamics and practicality if the design is sufficient.
Anyone use them here o know of something about them?

[Executive45]

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder....just sayin....:B.....Dennis

[rgatijnet1]

JoeH wrote:
You might think RV manufactures would offer them,or a vortex generator molded into the rear cap if they are as good as portrayed

You might think that RV manufacturers would put a sloped front end on ALL coaches since that is proven to reduce drag. :B

[JoeH]

You might think RV manufactures would offer them,or a vortex generator molded into the rear cap if they are as good as portrayed

[SidecarFlip]

mike brez wrote:
I don't have to hit my thump with a hammer to know its going to hurt. 😛
They look good too

They'd look better color matched...

[mike_brez]

I don't have to hit my thumb with a hammer to know its going to hurt. 😛
They look good too

[pianotuna]

Hi,

My air tabs lowered the noise level in the cab of my class C. I do get better mileage--but only when there is a large tail wind. Handling was not bad before--and slightly better after (big truck opposite direction).

[SidecarFlip]

I have. I had them on the cab of my Western Star conventional (before I retired) and they did help keep the trailer clean down the sides. I never realized any better fuel mileage however What improved the fuel mileage was the sleeper mounted wing (airfoil) and the nose cone on the front of the trailer. If I had, had a high sleeper I wouldn't have needed either but I had a flat top double bunk.

[rgatijnet1]

One thing about the AirTabs topic on this forum....it always gets reviews and opinions from "experts" that have never used them. :B

[mike_brez]

If I had a two gallon tank I might give them a try. :B

[rgatijnet1]

IAMICHABOD wrote:
My RV handled very well but cross winds and passing trucks upset it quite a bit,after installing Air Tabs,cross winds and trucks are no longer a problem as it once was.

They also keep the rear of the RV cleaner,as to the help in MPG I saw very little difference.

My experience as well, with two different motor homes. I didn't notice any improvement in mileage but they did improve the handling in crosswinds and since I traveled a lot in the Great Plains, where wind is always an issue, I wouldn't be without my AirTabs. Basically since they cost less than a tank of gas, the improvement in handling at highway speeds, is enough for me.

[IAMICHABOD]

My RV handled very well but cross winds and passing trucks upset it quite a bit,after installing Air Tabs,cross winds and trucks are no longer a problem as it once was.

They also keep the rear of the RV cleaner,as to the help in MPG I saw very little difference.

[schlep1967]

Yep, it has been debated on here before. Pretty much it comes down to the number of miles you need travel to get your money back. Very few RV'ers travel enough miles.
As to why you don't see them on semi's, there are other ways to make bigger gains like the fold out tailwind additions and the skirting you are now seeing under the sides of the trailers.

[bob213]

Debate has gone on for years. I do believe they help to keep the rear of your unit clean but if they were truly economically worthwhile we would see them on every semi out there. They travel far more miles than the average RVer. JMO