Aerodynamic side skirts, fuel saver??

[BaseRunner]

Has anybody ever experimented with this idea? I'm contemplating doing a side skirt mod like the ones you will see in this video below. I also saw something on youtbe that said, "NASA discovered through extensive research that if semi drivers could find a way to keep the wind draft from under the trailer, a substantial fuel savings would be realized" Now in this video below these students took a 1998 ford explorer and installed a front fender and side skirts similar to the ones on semis and managed to go from 16-17 mpg highway (70mph) to 23 - 25 mpg highway (70mph). If you ask me, that aint bad at all. Heres the video if anybody wants to watch it.


Sewanee Eco Auto Project on Vimeo

 

[Doc2012]

Why not just drop the 4Runner to the ground then? It'll have the same effect.

If you want to put skirts on the Runner, by all means, go for it. It's your 4Runner.

We bought these things knowing they have the aerodynamics of a brick, and that they weren't going to get GREAT gas mileage. BUT, we still lift them up, put bigger tires, more armor, a roof rack, lights, a front bumper with lights, ect, on them, which only helps to KILL gas mileage anyway.

If you want to save some money in gas, then the best bet is going to be getting a small CAR, and stop driving the 4Runner.

 

[Trikz]

Interesting idea. I guess it depends on what kind of terrain you usually drive on. If you do a lot of off-roading, having this sort of fairing will reduce your side and front ground clearance so some sort of quick-release mechanism should be designed into the fairing. Seems like a cool idea which has already been applied in the trucking industry and if I'm not mistaken, an average fuel saving of 20% has been achieved.

I guess it's like Doc2012 said, it's your truck, try it and see if it is worth it. You could have braging rights as to the first 25mpg 4Runner (not making fun of you).
That would be cool.

As I said in a previous thread, I'm part of a solar car project and one thing that we've learned in the design process is that the two major factors that affect efficiency are the frontal area and drag coefficient. We tested a few fairing designs that move air in certain directions and did see improvements but for the cost and time needed to produce the parts, some were not worth it. I'd say go for it and see what you find out.

 

[Bucket81]

Side skirts do very little for if anything for aerodynamics. If you want better areo make the bottom completely flat and stick a defuser on the back along with a lip spoiler on the roof, and make sure you take off the roof rack. After your done calculate how much gas you could have bough with the money used.

 

[shadow247]

If I can ever get a Runner for my wife, I am going to put 2002 Limited 2wd Coils all around to make it low as possible. It will still be plenty tall for the weekends at the beach, but the lower height should help improve fuel economy over a 4x4.

FWIW, I didn't really notice any loss on my 99 Highlander when I put the TRD/7 Wrap lift on. I got consistent 19.6 MPG on long trips, and 15.5 around town if I am careful about how long I let it warm up. If I let it run until it's just warmed up (needle moves a bit), it uses less gas. If I have to take off quickly without letting it warm up it seems to drink gas!

 

[BrianSD_42]

Dude don't believe everything you see on the Internet.

YouTube is full of half-truths. I'm sure it makes a small (1-2 mpg) difference but nothing significant.

 

[BaseRunner]

[MENTION=76419]Doc2012[/MENTION] why you attacking me bro? lol. It was just a suggestion. Plus I already get good gas mileage in my Runner because its a 4 cylinder. After all the improvements ive made its getting a consistent 22 mpg city and 26 highway, I have a scanguage so this isnt a lie. But I was only wondering what this mod would increase, and if anyone has tried it on a 4Runner. I had a 2007 honda civic and I gave it up because the 4Runner is my favorite truck and I'd rather be driving a truck rather then a car. [MENTION=85087]Trikz[/MENTION] I might just throw them on thier for a month and see what improvements it makes. I'll update the results in this thread.

 

[Trikz]

Looking forward to seeing your design and results. I just wish I got your gas mileage!! And it's going to get worse with my newly installed exhaust (step on it every once in a while to listen to it scream).

 

[BaseRunner]

Looking forward to seeing your design and results. I just wish I got your gas mileage!! And it's going to get worse with my newly installed exhaust (step on it every once in a while to listen to it scream).

The great gas mileage is definitely a big positive on my Runner, the other day I drove up to DC and my scanguage was reading 25 - 27 mpg on the highway. That felt really good to see lol. I got the truck of my dreams and I get great gas mileage. The only negative I can see on my Runner is that its not 4wd. But to be honest we dont get swamped with snow here in Harrisonburg, VA. Not saying we dont get any, we do but its not too harsh. It does fairly well in the snow anyway for a 2wd. And I rarely go off roading, when I do I make sure I'm very careful not to get stuck. Plus who wouldnt want to get good gas mileage from their truck?? as you stated this idea has been tried and tested in the semi industry and its done wonders for them. So why not?