McDave wrote:I'm diggin' the look of the fins on the verticals. Something kinda' "Trek"ey about them. Certainly didn't hurt the looks any.
Thanks McDave, I think they look nice also. Now to find out if they just look cool or actually help stability and gas mileage as claimed.
McDave wrote:So I assume the fin maker gave you the measurement to mount them from the rear edge? Is that a constant value or does it depend on the vehicle size, shape, speed etc.?
Yes, they did give instructions. They can be mounted as close to the back as possible but not to exceed 12" to 18" from the wide part of the fin to the back. Anywhere in between the edge and 18" for best results. They provided a spacer to get them 4" on center. You can go wider to accommodate something in the way, but they recommend that you do not go less that 4" on center.
These Vortex Generators are designed to provide maximum effect from 55MPH to 70MPH according to the manufacturer. Basically , highway speeds for best results.
McDave wrote:So, have you taken up the "3D printing" hobby yet?
No, I have too many hobbies already and a very good machine is real expensive. We have the " real deal" in our prototyping lab at work. I suppose if I wanted to experiment with something, I could get my Mechanical Engineer friends to assist.
McDave wrote:Hey, I'm liking the awning cover you got there as well. If I didn't know better I'd think it was a stock item that came with the Aleko RV unit. It has got to be helpful to extending the lifespan of the fabric. Do you transport with it in place or just when parked and retracted? I was able to mount the cover to the awning mounts so it can travel at speed, but that is the type of added drag I was referring to before.
No, I do not transport with it in place. I take it off for travel. There is really no good way to secure it that I can see. It does it's job with the trailer in storage mode. When I am camping, it will typically be deployed anyhow. It is just that cheap 5" vinyl gutter. Nice protection while it sits.
I will give a full report on the vortex generators the next time I have the CTC out on the highway. I am sure folks are curious. I have been wanting to experiment with this for a while now, so I took the plunge... but the price has come down since I first thought about doing this.