jabberwocky
Vancouver BC
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Joined: 09/14/2005
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About a year ago we put Airtab vortex generators on our Beaver Monterey 30' to see if they'd have any effect. I decided at the time to do a year of driving before posting to see if there was any actual benefit in fuel economy once the novelty wore off (and I resumed my normal driving habits).
So here goes:
1. The vehicle seems to be a bit quieter (less wind noise) underway at highway speeds. This is subjective but both of us noticed the improvement.
2. In the rain the cloud of spray behind is much diminished improving my rear view mirror visibility.
3. Vehicle stability in cross winds and when meeting or being passed by big rigs on 2 lane roads is improved. Again this is subjective but as the driver I definitely noticed improvement.
3. Fuel economy improved 4.65% over the year (about 5000 miles)! This is a big deal as far as I'm concerned given that fuel prices are climbing like crazy, particularly here in Canada. This measure is more objective: I log all my fuel consumption and the improvement number comes from my calculator. My calculations were based on 1 year's driving before and 1 year's after the installation. Engine maintenance, tire pressure and such were a constant as routine care would allow.
A lot of my driving has been in the mountains of BC, more so in this past year which means a lot of slower winding drives which don't help the fuel economy either. I suspect that if I had done the same roads as I did when I did my calculations before the installation of the Airtabs my fuel economy might have been even better.
Based on my results I'd recommend the Airtabs. For me it was $200 and a couple of hours installation well spent. YMMV.
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wny_pat
Western NYS
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Joined: 08/11/2007
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Good review - But is the coach only 2 years old? Reason for asking is that I would expect mpg to increase the second year due to breaking in of engine and drivetrain.
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kmb1966
Houston
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Joined: 09/18/2005
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wny_pat wrote:Good review - But is the coach only 2 years old? Reason for asking is that I would expect mpg to increase the second year due to breaking in of engine and drivetrain.
Doh! 
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Polishnurse
Schodack, NY
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Joined: 03/13/2007
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Jabber, Thank you for taking the time and consideration on the Air Tab debate. To make it a little more complete perhaps if you provided use with the year of the coach, power plant and vehicle weight. I think with a 4.5 percent increase on a DP might relate to a even greater increase on gasser. JMHO Bill
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clnhse
louisiana
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Joined: 05/30/2007
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I just returned from a 2500 mile trip with airtabs installed......WOW....I have a 08 Dutchstar 43 foot with comfort drive....I was never happy with the way it drove. The wind from big trucks would suck me in and spit me out. I was too afraid to let my wife drive.....not anymore...I hardly feel trucks when they get right along side. Just a little nudge.....Also 5% better fuel economy and my Toad is much cleaner..
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Deen
Vancouver, WA
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Joined: 12/07/2000
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clnhse wrote:I just returned from a 2500 mile trip with airtabs installed......WOW....I have a 08 Dutchstar 43 foot with comfort drive.... I was never happy with the way it drove. The wind from big trucks would suck me in and spit me out. I was too afraid to let my wife drive.....not anymore...I hardly feel trucks when they get right along side. Just a little nudge.....Also 5% better fuel economy and my Toad is much cleaner..
That's strange, our '02 41' DSDP without Comfort Drive is a joy to drive, trucks passing don't even require an adjustment on the steering and I drive one handed lots of times.
Deen - Vancouver, WA
'02 Dutch Star 4090 (41+', triple slide)
435/1200 ISC Cummins/Banks PowerPak
'08 Honda Civic/dolly
'05 Honda Odyssey/dolly
NRA Benefactor Life Member
FMCA f47302s, Life Member: Good Sam,
Newmar DP Owners Group
51st yr of RV'ing
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The Texan
Summer: A Cool Climate Winter: A Warm Climate
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Joined: 01/16/2004
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Put on your armor, as the non-believers will be here shortly, calling the two of you liars, as they have repeatedly done. I agree that the savings are there, as does a friend who owns an OTR trucking company and has seen major savings in his fuel bills this past year, even as prices rose.
Bob & Betsy - USN Ret'd '78 & FL LEO Ret'd '03 
FMCA #F203528
'05 HR Endeavor, 40PRQ (Our Dawg House) 400 Cummins- With-'05 GMC Sierra SLT, CC, Z-71, the pusher w/
our '07 Arctic Cat 500A & Wilderness Kayak, riding in the pusher
Our Current Location
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Gsmitty77
San Diego
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Joined: 10/09/2006
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Thanks for sharing. Similar to the results we had with our install.
You forgot to mention what a neat conversation piece they are!
Drive safe, and have fun,
Smitty
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david_42
Oregon
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Joined: 04/08/2005
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Air Tabs are a scam! The only way to increase mileage is to get a power chip!!! and stand on the throttle!!! And tow a Hummer.
Been using them for years, myself. Even have three on my motorcycle's windshield. Really cuts down on the head buffeting.
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Crespro
SoCal
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Joined: 07/23/2004
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Thanks for the report. The fuel reports from five or six members all now show 1% to 5% increases, with an average of about 3%. While I also understand that it is difficult to have an exact test due to driver and coach factors, there now are several reports with 3,000 miles or more that give a reasonable estimate of fuel mileage increases.
Stability increases should be better on shorter coaches. The aerodynamic effect of 70 to 80 AirTabs will have a greater impact on the shorter coach. With a 40 DP like mine, it is still important, but the coach itself is also more stable. Then again, I also have greater surface area for a crosswind to impact, so the added stability is quite welcome.
Best,
Crespro
Crespro 2005 Diplomat 40 PAQ/2008 Saturn Vue XR AWD
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