Gas savings with Wind Deflectors?

Question

I am planning to tow a 42 ft. trailer for 3,000 miles behind my Suburban next month. I have been advised to fit a wind deflector as the trailer is higher than the Suburban. Does anyone know what gas savings I would achieve, as these deflectors are quite expensive to buy for just one trip.

Answer 1

For one trip I'd let it pass.    Savings will be negligible for one trip.  You're talking a 2 to 5  percent savings at most.   Do the math over what it would cost in saved gas vs wind deflector.

Besides it only would save you when pulling the trailer.  When not pulling it would cost you more to drive the suburban.  So it's on for trailer off for no trailer.  lot of time and effort and expense for something only used now and then.

My 2 cents

RoyG

KC

Answer 2

You could just as easily fab some deflectors together using coroplast - corrugated plastic like political campaign signs are made from - and PVC tubing.  Glue the joints of the PVC, lash the coroplast to the frame with zip-ties, and attach the whole construct to your roof rack.  No roof rack?  You can rent one, or buy a cheapo and be in fine shape.  Don't forget to close in the sides of your wind deflector, or it'll generate almost as much drag as it deflects.

42' behind a Suburban, dang.  I hope you've got a leveling hitch with sway controllers.  That big a tail could wind up wagging your dog pretty easily; the Suburban can have a lot of length behind the rear axle.

Go to ecomodder.com - there are guys on the site who have done exactly this trick, building a nose onto the trailer to make it easier to tow.  There are lots of other things to try there too, anything that helps save some fuel can't be a bad thing.

Answer 3

I worked at a trailer dealership in Chicago for a year. I'm sorry I don't know the specific savings, but at today's prices for gas I'm sure over 3,000 miles it will pay for it.  Also I'm sure this won't be the only trip you ever take?