Crow Horse

I have a somewhat tall cargo rack and was hoping to regain some lost mileage by fabbing a fairing. Is it worth the effort and are they effective in reducing drag? I work in a metal fabrication shop and making it won't be a problem but I don't want to invest time and money in something that won't produce....

HuntinXJ

I put one on my home-made rack. No doubt reduces drag some but make it much more quiet.

Crow Horse

Any pics of your fairing?

BigBirdxj

Good to note, I plan on making one that will fold down over my lights. I was going to do it for drag as you said but noise is probably a bigger reason as the Heep aint quiet. I'd like to see a pic as well.
Bird

HuntinXJ

To clarify, my "fairing" is nothing more than a deflector.Dimensions are approx. .125x10x50 inches @ a .45* angle. Aluminum plate. A little too tall, tho. The best attachment will be the lowest in relation to the roof. Gutter mounts suck but are the most common. I'll try and post pics tomorrow.

Crow Horse

I'm curious how you made your brackets. I believe a fairing for mine will have to be larger than 10".....

HuntinXJ

I'm trying to upload pics but they're failing to do so. I'll figure it.

Crow Horse

I've been researching this like crazy and came across some interesting reading with quantifiable results. The bottom line for me is that the rack is coming off (something that I was reluctant to do). I have to remove it by myself and made boots for the mounting feet from carpet as not to damage the roof.
I was able to walk the rack off without too much trouble which surprised me. It will be interesting to see how much of an improvement in mpg's this makes....
From what I've read, fairings most often are effective in reducing noise and have less effect in regaining mpg's lost by the use of a roof rack.....