| Author | Message | ||
| David Evans (Dmd)
Registered Member Username: Dmd Post Number: 468 Registered: 10-2004 Posted From: 173.77.233.182  Rating: N/A |
our old buses (late 40's) are rounded front and rear and pretty low compared to the buses of the 80's and 90's. It looks like the new buses are going back to being somewhat more slippery and rounded. So what is up with the big trucks? I see that the fleet rucks and most over the road trucks are curved and lowered and the exhaust stacks are behind the cab etc. But there are also at least a third or more of the trucks with the big square grilles both exhaust stacks and air cleaners standing out in the airstream. I have been trying to see if there is any common denominator and i thought that the flatbeds had more old style big truck non slipperey units but thats not really true, then i thought maybe it was a Texas or down south thing but thats not it either. Anyone know what the deal is on this. It seems if you where paying for your own fuel you would want a newer areodynamic unit, but the truck companies offer both styles. Just wondering | ||
| John MC9 (John_mc9)
Registered Member Username: John_mc9 Post Number: 1159 Registered: 7-2006 Posted From: 74.162.75.195  Rating: N/A |
Would a new areodynamic tractor pull a big 52' square box more economically? | ||
| Jim Wilke (Jim Bob) (Pd41044039)
Registered Member Username: Pd41044039 Post Number: 501 Registered: 2-2001 Posted From: 184.0.3.170 Rating: N/A |
Just different styles for the buyers preference. Lots of guys like the long nose "conventional" tractors. (myself included). | ||
| Tom Christman (Tchristman)
Registered Member Username: Tchristman Post Number: 227 Registered: 1-2006 Posted From: 66.218.33.156 Rating: N/A |
There are two definite styles of over the road trucks-the traditional square hooded, exterior air cleaners, etc. Then the new aerodynamic trucks that actually have larger, more comfortable cabs then traditional trucks. The difference in fuel mileage can be 1-2mpg. Doing 120,000 miles a year-I don't quite understand anyone that wouldn't do everything possible for better aerodynamics and less rolling resistance. The new Freightliner Cascadias are in such big demand, that Freightliner is estimating making 10,000 of them this year alone!. Good Luck, TomC | ||
| Gus Causbie (Gusc)
Registered Member Username: Gusc Post Number: 1182 Registered: 11-2005 Posted From: 71.112.182.39  Rating: N/A |
When driving a few years ago I decided that the attraction of the flat grills was the macho effect. I'm OK with that but it isn't for me. My all time favorite is the KW T600 "Anteater", way cool and aerodynamic. | ||
| FAST FRED (Fast_fred)
Registered Member Username: Fast_fred Post Number: 1204 Registered: 10-2006 Posted From: 99.155.204.111  Rating: N/A |
Diesel was 15c a gallon for a long time so busses began to look like bricks or shoe boxes. Its all different today , you have to be a pro to tell the difference in autos or air liners as wind tunnel demands are universal. The euros are doing some bus aerodynamic work. Some folks have claimed Air Tabs help the mileage , others claim they make the bus handle better in cross winds . www.airtab.com/ FF (Message edited by Fast_Fred on June 13, 2010) | ||
| Buswarrior (Buswarrior)
Registered Member Username: Buswarrior Post Number: 1867 Registered: 12-2000 Posted From: 174.91.146.18  Rating: |
Trucks, and the choice as to which to buy, is no different than the general population's choices in personal transport. It all comes down to what is motivating the buyer. Up front costs, financing deals, fuel economy, whole life costs, will it hold value, machismo, colour, biggest engine, intended job, shiny pipes, and just plain ignorance are all mixed in to the choice. In general, flatbed loads are horrible in wind drag, and sometimes in weight, so a conventional vs an aero truck won't make much difference in the already poor fuel economy. However, pulling a smooth sided van trailer, big difference, as noted in Tom's post, if the tractor leading the way, is a brick, or doesn't have a tall condo sleeper, or tall fairing, in place to smooth the air around the flat front of the trailer. The technologies surrounding aero tricks and rolling resistance of tires are the places being worked really hard. You've seen the under trailer side skirts across the continent now. Interestingly, the regulations for truck size are inhibiting some of the aero theories regarding the suction at the back of the trailer. Testing has shown a number of "boat tail" devices attached to the rear of the trailer as having a benefit. Trouble is, the device puts it overlength, and no one is sure if the savings will make up for the loss of freight if you shorten the trailer... Always a compromise... happy coaching! buswarrior | ||
| David Evans (Dmd)
Registered Member Username: Dmd Post Number: 469 Registered: 10-2004 Posted From: 173.77.233.182 Rating: N/A |
Thanks for the comebacks. I figured that the milage would have to be a factor and as was stated at 100,000 miles a year, thats a big $ amount. I did notice that the flatbeds and lowboys had more conventional type tractors pulling them. There used to be a commutor boat called Aphrodite that was in the local waters and she was built to haul folks to the city asap and she had that reverse transom rounded stern and it really did help her get out of the wake. I have only seen the underskirts on the UPS trailors. Another thing i have seen is the "Road Warrior" bumper grille devices on alot of the trucks running thru Pa.I am guessing this is for the deer. Thanks again. |
