Aerodynamic light bar covers

[rihavens]

So I am about sick of the noise and MPG loss I am suffering after my light bar install. The biggest issue is the MPG loss. I have a 52" cali-raised light bar and it works great, but the advantages are simply not worth it. I was really close to getting my behind the bumper winch mount, adding lights and tossing on ditch light brackets for overall lights (I know 4 additional 4" light pods will NEVER achieve the same light level.)

So I started Googling aerodynamic light bar covers, and came upon this site.

https://aeroxindustries.com/

Problem is, I have a curved bar. They say they are trying to bring out a curved cover in 2019, but I am about over it NOW. So I was wondering if anyone has mounted a straight light bar above their windshield (not on a rack) or they have better solutions that I am not seeing.

 

[Jeffy]

So I am about sick of the noise and MPG loss I am suffering after my light bar install. The biggest issue is the MPG loss. I have a 52" cali-raised light bar and it works great, but the advantages are simply not worth it. I was really close to getting my behind the bumper winch mount, adding lights and tossing on ditch light brackets for overall lights (I know 4 additional 4" light pods will NEVER achieve the same light level.)

So I started Googling aerodynamic light bar covers, and came upon this site.

https://aeroxindustries.com/

Problem is, I have a curved bar. They say they are trying to bring out a curved cover in 2019, but I am about over it NOW. So I was wondering if anyone has mounted a straight light bar above their windshield (not on a rack) or they have better solutions that I am not seeing.

Are you really noticing an MPG loss just from adding a light bar?

 

[rihavens]

Are you really noticing an MPG loss just from adding a light bar?

I've lost about 1.5-2 mpg depending on the tank. Checked the inflation of my tires, drive the same.

 

[mtnbiker49]

Kind of doubt you have a 2mpg loss due to the lessened aerodynamics from the light bar.

Anyway, just uninstall it. Not worth the hassle. Just mount a smaller light bar in the grille. It will do the same thing.

 

[Jeremy556]

I just run my single row roof bar when the days are short; it is removed for most of the year. Have a 20" double row on the bumper year round which has no noticeable effect on MPG or noise.

Those covers might help, but you won't be able to use the lights with those installed without burning out the LEDs.

 

[rihavens]

Kind of doubt you have a 2mpg loss due to the lessened aerodynamics from the light bar.

Anyway, just uninstall it. Not worth the hassle. Just mount a smaller light bar in the grille. It will do the same thing.

I can't. I am planning on a behind the bumper winch mount. The only option for a behind the bumper light is in the same spot, so it's either a light bar or adding two 4 ich pods on the hood.

 

[jhguth]

that cover may help with noise but it's not going to make an appreciable difference in regards to drag

(but i have a hard time believing 1.5-2mpg drop from a lightbar)

 

[rihavens]

that cover may help with noise but it's not going to make an appreciable difference in regards to drag

(but i have a hard time believing 1.5-2mpg drop from a lightbar)

So, what is dropping my MPG?

 

[nb rob]

winter gas deliveries start on sept 15. I believe Kansas is in this area.

did you notice the MPG loss before sept 15?

 

[jhguth]

So, what is dropping my MPG?

don't know, how are you measuring your mpg?

from some quick napkin calcs i'd believe up to 0.4-0.5mpg from a 52" light bar is possible

 

[rihavens]

winter gas deliveries start on sept 15. I believe Kansas is in this area.

did you notice the MPG loss before sept 15?

You may be on to something. I think I had a few under inflated tires and maybe that was causing it.