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  • #1

    Wind Deflector or Rooftop Carrier?

    Towing a 2022 Imagine XLS 17MKE with a 2022 GMC Yukon (large SUV). I've been pondering the value of mounting a Wind Deflector such as this when towing:
    https://www.amazon.com/ICON-01217-Bl...90400307&psc=1.

    First question is for anyone that has used then: Do they really provide any fuel economy improvement?

    Second question is: Would an aerodynamic Rooftop Carrier such as this provide the same benefit with the added space to carry item that I would rather not keep in truck or trailer:
    https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B4F4QV8R...kCode=osi&th=1

    Any feedback would be appreciated.
    Rhody_Chris
    USCG QMC (Retired '99)
    2022 Imagine XLS 17MKE (IRVina)
    2022 GMC Yukon SLT w/ 3L Duramax Diesel (Irving)
    Tags: None
  • #2
    I would suspect the deflector would have negligible effect. I would chose the carrier, if for nothing more than the storage capacity utility.
    Ted
    2021 Reflection 310RLS
    2020 F350 PS,CC,LB,SRW

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    • #3
      Hey Chief I know that when we have our boat on the roof of the truck, we get about 3/4 to 1 mpg of improved mileage due to the wind deflection. Of course if I put a CG racing stripe on the boat, it would probably be even better

      Click image for larger version Name: Rig 2.jpg Views: 270 Size: 191.9 KB ID: 100535

      Jim and Ginnie
      2024 Solitude 310GK - 2020 F350 Dually
      GDRV Technical Forum Moderator
      GDRV Rally Support Coordinator

      Comment

      • #4
        Originally posted by Rhody_Chris View Post
        Towing a 2022 Imagine XLS 17MKE with a 2022 GMC Yukon (large SUV). I've been pondering the value of mounting a Wind Deflector such as this when towing:
        https://www.amazon.com/ICON-01217-Bl...90400307&psc=1.

        First question is for anyone that has used then: Do they really provide any fuel economy improvement?

        Second question is: Would an aerodynamic Rooftop Carrier such as this provide the same benefit with the added space to carry item that I would rather not keep in truck or trailer:
        https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B4F4QV8R...kCode=osi&th=1

        Any feedback would be appreciated.
        My brother had one years ago and he actually lost fuel mileage. The GD nose is fairly aerodynamic - more so than other brands. As for roof top carries beware of cheap imitations. Thuel seems to be a good brand. Make sure the mount is specific to your truck too.

        Some interesting choices https://www.google.com/search?client...f+top+carriers

        Keith

        ​
        2018 Reflection 150 Series 220RK 5th whee, Star White 2022 F350 King Ranch CC Long bed (HAL) (CCC 4062lbs), B&W 25K OEM Companion,. SteadyFast system, Trailer reverse lights, rear receiver spare tire holder, storage tube, sumo springs, Victron MultiPlus 12/120/3000, Solar, Custom 6K axles upgrade, and other modifications.

        Comment

        • #5
          Originally posted by TucsonJim View Post
          Hey Chief I know that when we have our boat on the roof of the truck, we get about 3/4 to 1 mpg of improved mileage due to the wind deflection. Of course if I put a CG racing stripe on the boat, it would probably be even better

          Click image for larger version Name: Rig 2.jpg Views: 270 Size: 191.9 KB ID: 100535
          I could see the boat working to aid in fuel economy. The idea for the OP is to move air over or around the rig versus a big mostly flat plate that we are pulling through the air. A roof top device short of Jim's boat would allow the air to still contact the front of the rig and result in turbulence. Skirts and the rear panels on semi trailers work to reduce turbulence and will aid in fuel economy.

          How can we fit something like this on a wall mostly made of foam, luan and thin fiberglass with minimal framing? We can't really.

          Jim
          • Likes 1

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          • #6
            For a roof top deflector to be an advantage it has to come very close to the front of the trailer. Not unlike TucsonJim Jim's boat. Take a look at modern transport trucks and how the roof of the cab blends into the trailer. A "blade" on top of the truck will hurt fuel consumption, much as Yoda Keith describes. Airflow will tumble over the blade and impact the front of the trailer with more force than if there were nothing there. A major truck manufacturer did airflow testing to prove this. (Ask me how I know this . . . )

            Rob
            Cate & Rob
            (with Border Collies Molly & Angel + Kitties Hazel & Elsie)
            2015 Reflection 303RLS
            2022 F350 Diesel CC SB SRW Lariat
            Bayham, Ontario, Canada
            • Likes 1

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            • #7
              So my original thought was probably fairly accurate. The Deflector is not likely to be anything but a waste of money, and the carrier is probably only going to add some out-of-vehicle storage but no fuel economy benefit.

              Thanks for all responses!
              Rhody_Chris
              USCG QMC (Retired '99)
              2022 Imagine XLS 17MKE (IRVina)
              2022 GMC Yukon SLT w/ 3L Duramax Diesel (Irving)

              Comment

              • #8
                My MPG increases by more than 100% when I'm not towing
                Allen

                2021 Momentum 21G
                • Likes 2

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                • #9
                  Originally posted by Rhody_Chris View Post
                  So my original thought was probably fairly accurate. The Deflector is not likely to be anything but a waste of money, and the carrier is probably only going to add some out-of-vehicle storage but no fuel economy benefit.

                  Thanks for all responses!
                  Vehicle speed, temperature and wind speed are some of the larger factors affecting towing fuel economy. I've towed with 20+ mph head winds at 60 mph and made horrible fuel economy at 8mpg.

                  Curious what FE your seeing while towing with the LM2 diesel at what speed?

                  Jim

                  Comment

                  • #10
                    Originally posted by MidwestCamper View Post

                    Vehicle speed, temperature and wind speed are some of the larger factors affecting towing fuel economy. I've towed with 20+ mph head winds at 60 mph and made horrible fuel economy at 8mpg.

                    Curious what FE your seeing while towing with the LM2 diesel at what speed?

                    Jim
                    I know you're not asking me....but....with a 2020 F250 diesel I average about 9 mpg at 70 mph while towing.

                    One drive I had 25-30 mph headwinds going 65 mph getting 6.5 mpg.

                    Another drive I had tailwinds of about 15 mph on level ground going 70 mph and was getting 12.5 mpg.
                    Allen

                    2021 Momentum 21G
                    • Likes 1

                    Comment

                    • #11
                      Originally posted by MidwestCamper View Post

                      Vehicle speed, temperature and wind speed are some of the larger factors affecting towing fuel economy. I've towed with 20+ mph head winds at 60 mph and made horrible fuel economy at 8mpg.

                      Curious what FE your seeing while towing with the LM2 diesel at what speed?

                      Jim
                      I am fairly happy with the 13.9MPG average at @62MPH I'm getting thus far. I try to keep her under 1600RPM. If I go any faster she tends to rev up quite a bit (up to 3500RPM) on hills. That's towing the 17MKE over 4K miles (RI to Austin and back and a few short local trips). I cannot say anything about wind conditions now, but presume that they (head/tail/cross winds) probably averaged out over that trip. Without towing I have seen the "trip meter" show over 30MPG without tow multiple times but probably average more like 22-24MPG. Since I bought the package I've driven @4200 miles towing and @2400 miles without tow. Lifetime average is showing about 16.3 MPG overall (both by dash gauges and fuel log.

                      Chris
                      Rhody_Chris
                      USCG QMC (Retired '99)
                      2022 Imagine XLS 17MKE (IRVina)
                      2022 GMC Yukon SLT w/ 3L Duramax Diesel (Irving)
                      • Likes 1

                      Comment

                      • #12
                        Originally posted by Rhody_Chris View Post

                        I am fairly happy with the 13.9MPG average at @62MPH I'm getting thus far. I try to keep her under 1600RPM. If I go any faster she tends to rev up quite a bit (up to 3500RPM) on hills. That's towing the 17MKE over 4K miles (RI to Austin and back and a few short local trips). I cannot say anything about wind conditions now, but presume that they (head/tail/cross winds) probably averaged out over that trip. Without towing I have seen the "trip meter" show over 30MPG without tow multiple times but probably average more like 22-24MPG. Since I bought the package I've driven @4200 miles towing and @2400 miles without tow. Lifetime average is showing about 16.3 MPG overall (both by dash gauges and fuel log.

                        Chris
                        Very nice!. I'm planning to order the 3.0L diesel when the truck becomes available I knew they get stellar unladen fuel economy and was wondering about towing. I can expect somewhere around the same towing mileage on my 2600RB since its the air drag that is the killer on fuel economy. No so much on the mass difference.

                        Jim

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                        • #13
                          I believe a capper could help versus a tonneau cover for towing a TT but would not be able to estimate in how much this will save on fuel. As an example, my father in law years ago had great fuel economy from a Chevy van towing his 19ft trailer. I also pulled his trailer with my 1983 Jimmy with a 305 4 speed and it also delivered good fuel economy even though it was weak. Reducing the exposed frontal area of the rig behind the truck helped since the roof of the Van/SUV was reasonably close to the rig. Closer would be better but still better than a pickup with a tonneau IMO. This is why there is no gain with a tailgate down on todays trucks in non towing situations. The roof line is designed to move air over the tailgate where this does no good when that airstream hits the front of a trailer.

                          Jim

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