I think a company could make a fortune by constructing and selling simple, lightweight tail cones. They could be constructed of stiff Styrofoam, covered with a thin, durable plastic or fiberglass shell; or perhaps inflatable devices made of thick, durable, above-ground swimming pool vinyl. These tail cones would simply ease the air into the huge hole the RV just made, reducing drag (think Airstream.) Slippery, glass smooth under-bellies, side skirts, wheel cowls and “moon” style wheel hubs would also aid in drag reducing retrofitting. If the devices could be easily removed and transferred to your new rig, RVers could more easily justify the initial expense with a longer amortization. If not they would certainly improve their resale value come trade-in time. Soon RV manufacturers will get the hint, adding more streamlining in response to customer demand. They will soon be publishing Cd figures on their units along with weights, as they see the lucrative aftermarket’s success with these add-on devices.

Looks like your subject topic has hit a nerve with many of us. Most of us are trying to reduce our fuel cost in variuos ways and some hoping for a quick break through new technology to reduce fuel costs.
The fact of the matter is that there are things that we as RVers can do that doesn’t cost big bucks. Some of the things we can do now are making certain that our engines are properly tuned. This includes engine lubrication, oil & air filters and properly maintained cooling systems, tire pressures and driving habits.
I’ve recently changed oil in my old C class and used full synthetic oil. I will be taking a trip to Oregon next week and will compare fuel mileage then. I did notice an immediate difference on the first startup with the synthetic oil. I now have synthetic in my transmission & differential too.
I think that the biggest benefit for RVers will occur when the hydrogen fuel cell is in full production. A friend of ours who was a Canadian Army officer (now retired) worked on projects for NATO in developing engine technology for all NATO forces vehicles. He also worked with GM developing the ECM technology we use today. He said many years ago that hydrogen will be the fuel of the future. The question is what time frame? As many of you may know that fuel cell technology was developed by Ballard in Vancouver , BC. Research is still ongoing, in fact there are hydrogen fuel cell busses on the road here in Victoria and Vancouver and some US cities that are putting it through test trials.
It makes me wonder why it hasn’t been developed quicker. Is it perhaps that the oil industry with their huge influence has purchased controlling shares in these fuel cell companies and don’t want it developed just yet while they are enjoying record and absurd profits? Governments also have a big part in it too. After all, where does much of their campaign fundimg potentially come from.

Cheers,
John

That will not stop us from travelling , but we did utilize free camping a few nites and did not splurge on goodies we also slowed down .

Another $ 1.00 will make us think.

$8.00 gas will put a lot of RV’s in the bone yard , maybe that is the plan ?????

There are numerous fuel additives available on the market making claims regarding improved fuel mileage. For instance, RxP (www.rxp.com) provides detailed test data on their website regarding tests that were conducted with the Florida Department of Transportation on 6 vehicles of various makes and models for one full year (http://www.rxp.com/department_of_transportation_test_results.htm). The fuel savings results from these tests indicate reductions ranging from 6% TO 30% depending on the vehicle, and there were also significant reductions in the amounts of greenhouse gas emissions from those vehicles.

While I am all for R&D for the future, I think that the RV industry would be very well served by attempting to find a way to help make our existing coaches run more fuel efficient today.

There seems to be a lot of controversy over whether or not these additives work and I think that the RV industry (along with the trucking industry) would be well served to formally put them to the test in scientifically controlled, monitored and reported tests from an independent lab. If any (or all) of these additives work safely, reduce emissions and fuel consumption, then we should know which ones and where we can get them.

As a note, I know the principals involved with RxP, but have no interest (financial, or otherwise) in the company. I have used the product in my cars off and on for several years and would really like to begin using it in my RV if I think that I can safely do so and reduce my fuel consumption.

I think the RVIA should launch a formal trial to see if there is a benefit to the RV community from the use of any of these products.

The technology is ‘older than dirt’ in a way; all it takes is someone to bring it to a different platform.

Thanks

Years ago there were small Class C motorhomes on a Toyota chassis. Why can’t the Toyota/Winnebago partnership be used again to produce a Class C on a newer, more fuel efficient Toyota chassis?