Wind and High Roof Sprinters - Page 2

carringb · 08-09-2011, 08:33 PM

Some of the Class C motorhome guys on the RV.net forum are very happy with airtabs. Consensus is gas mileage probably, but not conclusively, went up. Stability in cross winds and passing trucks went way up.

BTW - what tires do you have now? There is a lot of variation in sidewall stiffness among tires. I have found the Toyo M55 tires to have very good lateral stiffness, while riding nice and having excellent off-road traction and snow traction.

bluesprinter · 08-09-2011, 08:42 PM

I have OEM Continentals, which seem to get nothing but criticism on this forum. I've ordered airtabs, they'll probably beat me home, as I have another 6 days on this shakedown cruise. Then I need to decide, leave them black (to match the trim) or find blue paint that matches the bulk of the Sprinter's exterior. Leaning to leaving them black.

Might also go to Koni rear shocks and Michelins but probably will wait to see what effect the airtabs have on handling.

kmessinger · 08-13-2011, 03:28 PM

can you put a picture up after you install them?

Thanks,

Keith

bluesprinter · 08-13-2011, 04:01 PM

Certainly (I assume you mean the airtabs!) . . . give me a few weeks. When I get home I have lots of things to catch up on, and if I do decide to paint them blue rather than leaving them black I will probably need a few days to find paint and do some painting. If a month or more goes by, and you see nothing, give another yell!

Never noticed airtabs before, but now that I know what they are, I've seen some 18 wheelers with them. Tough to spot when they're white on a huge white trailer . . .

kmessinger · 08-13-2011, 04:15 PM

I haven't noticed them on any RVs but it seems like they would be pretty ugly unless they match the paint. They need some pictures on the website.

bluesprinter · 08-13-2011, 04:41 PM

There are some photos here of the airtabs on sprinters: http://www.airtab.com/gallery/vans.html http://www.airtab.com/gallery/vans.html

And for vehicles that are more square-backed, there are lots of other photos on the site. Just click on the buttons on the left.

jage · 08-13-2011, 05:07 PM

Not a sprinter but it gives you an idea, and here is an RV... which one is closer to a Sprinter is an argument for another day

bluesprinter · 08-13-2011, 05:11 PM

Great pics! I wonder what the deal is with the small one . . . even better fuel economy? Reduction of wind resistance? Do you know the owners of these vehicles or did you just happen upon these?

jage · 08-13-2011, 09:05 PM

Google... because the Honda Fit doesn't get very good gas mileage already...

In theory my Jeep could use these.

Ford_6L_E350 · 08-14-2011, 11:28 AM

You would think they would benefit the Fit more if they weren't right in front of the spoiler.

Mike