summutt2002
Mountains of Utah-7000'
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Joined: 02/08/2002
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Saw an earlier post mention Airtabs. Anyone on this forum actually used them? There are a lot of positive testimonials on their website, doesn't seem to be much experience with RVers....mostly tractor/trailers. It's an interesting concept...perhaps a bit unsightly...and might be effective in cutting down turbulence and keeping the bay window at the after section of my RLS clean.
Great wife, 3.1 dogs and no money..LIFE IS GOOD
'01 Excursion Ltd 7.3L PSD pulling a '06 Prowler 260RLS, Equal-i-zer, Prodigy
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Airstreamer67
Pineville, LA USA
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Joined: 11/07/2002
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I've had AirTabs on my travel trailer for the past three years now, encompassing 10,000 miles. They certainly do add stability to the rig, noticeably in side winds and Interstate 18-wheeler traffic. They keep the rear of the trailer clean, and motorhome owners especially like that feature because their rear-facing cameras are more effective with clean lenses. Many users have reported measurable MPG gains as well. Any mileage gains for me were less than a half MPG. I bought the AirTabs for the extra stability, and they have proven their worth to me for that factor alone.
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VintageRacer
Dundas, Ontario
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Joined: 04/02/2005
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Ditto to Airstreamer67's comments. I use them on a 28' car hauler, they added a lot to stability and sway reduction. I did see a worthwhile improvement in gas mileage, about 1 mpg which is about 10% or a bit more.
Brian
2003 Dodge Ram 2500 Quad Cab, Hemi, 5 speed manual, 3.73 gears, Tow Beast hitch with 24" extension.
28 ft race car hauler, Lola T440 Formula Ford, NTM MK4 Sports Racer
2004 Travel Hawk 8' Truck Camper - Roll at 16K combined weight
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summutt2002
Mountains of Utah-7000'
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Joined: 02/08/2002
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Thanks, folks....I think an order is in order before the price goes up in October. One final question. Do you have them across the top in back? Are they effective with all the stuff up there, antennae, A/C, vents, etc.?
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Airstreamer67
Pineville, LA USA
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Joined: 11/07/2002
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Yes, they should be across the top and down both sides. Although the airflow is disrupted by the protuberances on the top, there are some such on the sides as well (awning, door knobs, etc), but the AirTabs apparently work as well as possible under the circumstances. I'm sure it would be better without the obstructions to the airflow, but you gotta play the hand you're dealt.
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dingodog
Woodstock, Ontario
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Joined: 07/19/2006
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I had them on my old 18' unit, but since it towed true to begin with I didn't notice any improvement in stability. Gas milage improvement was 0.5 mpg at best. I think they are really intended for longer trailers driven for more miles. They were initially made for big rigs and RVs were an afterthought.
2009 Rockwood Roo 233
2002 Dodge Durango SLT+
Nights camped 2008: 21
Nights camped 2007: 43
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