Aerodynamic Upgrades for Pickup Trucks to Reduce Drag and Improve MPG

Due to their rugged capabilities, pickup trucks are regarded as the ultimate workhorse vehicles. Although they are versatile automobiles that can be used for work and play, they are not exactly paragons of fuel efficiency. However, the aerodynamics of your pickup truck can be used as a secret weapon against rising gas prices. Adding a few accessories can unlock significant improvements in improving the gas mileage.

What is Aerodynamics?

Aerodynamics refers to how the air interacts with vehicles, as they move. The height, shape, and overall design of the pickup truck create more drag than smaller, more streamlined cars. Drag is the force that opposes the truck’s motion, which makes the engine work harder to maintain speed. In turn, the v increases fuel consumption.

Imagine your pickup truck pushing through something as you drive. When it moves, the air is forced to flow around it. This makes the airflow less smooth, and more drag is created. The air resistance, also known as aerodynamic drag, acts like an invisible hand trying to slow you down. High pressure is created when the air hits the front of the truck. The air passing over and around the vehicle generates low pressure, resulting in drag and turbulence, especially around the bed area.

Pickup trucks usually have flat fronts and open beds for cargo. They disrupt the airflow more than SUVs or sedans. As the speed rises, the wind drag increases, demanding more fuel from your engine to maintain speed. Improving the truck’s aerodynamics involves reducing the turbulence and smoothing the airflow as much as possible. You can achieve that through specific upgrades and adding some accessories to alter the shape of the truck. They can help manipulate the airflow around your vehicle, reducing drag and improving fuel economy.

Aerodynamic Upgrades

Several truck accessories can transform your gas-guzzler into a more aerodynamic vehicle:

Tonneau Covers

A sleek-looking tonneau cover can help reduce turbulence and drag. Think of it as smoothing out a wrinkle in the silhouette of your vehicle. Tonneau covers are one of the most effective aerodynamic upgrades for pickup trucks. These covers fit over the truck bed, reducing drag created by the open cargo area. Without the cover, the air flows over the cab and into the bed, which creates a vortex of turbulence that increases drag.

Installing a tonneau cover smooths the airflow by keeping the tailgate closed and enclosing the space. It can streamline the airflow over the bed, making it move over the entire vehicle length. Several types of tonneau covers are available on the market, including soft, hard, and retractable options. They offer different levels of protection and aerodynamic benefits.

Bumpers

Installing low-profile front bumpers can help minimize drag and elevate downforce as it directs the airflow when running at speed. When the airflow is directed, the wind drag is reduced for a smoother drive.

Air Dams and Spoilers

Low-profile spoilers mounted under the front bumper can help redirect the airflow upwards, preventing the air from rushing underneath the truck and creating drag. Air dams and front spoilers are installed just below the bumper, specifically at the front end of the vehicle. These accessories direct the airflow away from the undercarriage, where wind drag forms. Minimizing the amount of air that flows underneath can improve fuel efficiency.

Side Skirts

Side skirts are uncommon to see on most pickup trucks. They conceal the ground clearance, making the vehicle look like a hot rod. These panels are installed along the truck’s sides, specifically between the front and rear wheels. They help smooth out the airflow along the sides of the vehicle. They can reduce the drag created by the turbulent air around the undercarriage and wheel wells. Side skirts are particularly beneficial for trucks that spend a lot of time on highways, where even small improvements in aerodynamics can make a big difference in fuel economy.

Fender Flares

Aside from added style, side skirts give aerodynamic benefits to the truck, while fender flares protect the vehicle’s underside against debris. Fender flares with aerodynamic designs can reduce wind resistance and manage airflow around the rims.

Wheels and Tires

Low-profile wheels with aerodynamic designs and fuel-efficient tires with smooth tread patterns offer less resistance as they spin. While not the most dramatic change, every little bit counts. Wheels and tires play a crucial role in the aerodynamics of a vehicle. Upgrading to aerodynamic wheels can reduce turbulence around the wheel wells, which are common areas of drag. Additionally, selecting low-rolling-resistance tires can minimize the energy needed to move the truck, further enhancing fuel efficiency. These tires are designed to reduce the friction between the tire and the road, improving fuel efficiency and extending tire life.

Considerations When Adding Truck Accessories

While aerodynamic upgrades are a win for fuel efficiency, you must take note of a few factors when you want to add accessories to your pickup truck:

• Cost vs. Savings: It is essential to weigh the costs against the potential fuel savings because the expense of aerodynamic upgrades may vary, depending on the products you will add to your vehicle. Some enhancements may have a higher upfront cost. Certain upgrades can lead to significant long-term savings, especially for those who frequently drive long distances. However, the return on investment might be slower if you typically use the truck for city driving and light off-roading. Particular upgrades may also require professional installation, making them a tad expensive. Weighing the cost against the potential fuel savings can help determine which accessories offer the most significant benefit.

• Impact on Functionality: Aside from changing the size of wheels and tires, installing aggressive-design fender flares can limit the turning radius of your pickup truck and make parking in tight spaces challenging. Depending on whether these mods are properly installed, they can affect the truck’s functionality.

• Driving Conditions: The aerodynamic upgrades will be most beneficial depending on the environment in which you primarily drive your truck. If you drive frequently on highways, focusing on reducing wind drag is better. With the help of tonneau covers, tires, wheels, and other upgrades, you can yield significant fuel savings. However, if you drive mostly in urban settings with only lower speeds and frequent stops, the benefits of aerodynamic upgrades may be less noticeable. They are better suited for trucks running at highway speeds. The impact might be less significant if you are limited only to city driving.

The Reward of Aerodynamics

The aerodynamic upgrades for pickup trucks can lead to minor improvements in fuel efficiency. They translate to significant savings over time, especially if you usually drive for long hours with your vehicle. However, these upgrades are not limited to only saving money at the pump. Reducing the drag also results in lower emissions, making your rig a more environmentally friendly companion on the road. Now, you can make the most out of your gas mileage.