improved efficiency with hitch cargo carrier?

[umbrop]

I have owned this truck for over 3 years and have done plenty of long-distance drives. Typical efficiency is between 1.8-2.1 mi per kwh. I just returned from a 12 hour round trip drive where I needed extra storage and decided to attach this cargo carrier with storage bag. On the 6 hour drive out, the tray was folded up and efficiency was about 1.9 mi per kwh. On the way back, the truck was fully loaded and the tray was down. I was surprised to be averaging 2.5 for the entire trip. I don't know anything about aerodynamics or drag, but is it possible this makes the truck somehow more efficient? Note I have made this drive in the past and have never averaged anything like this. the drive is mostly highway.

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[jamelski]

You found the magic device that increase efficiency congrats

 

[Grumpy2]

I don't remember where I found this, but it would support your finding....

 

[fvineyard]

I think this is the video Grumpy2 referenced:

 

[rockhead]

Well you screwed up, now you have to test it properly, I suggest four round trips, two loaded and two unloaded, with one version bracketing the other two to reduce the variables.
Get that science done and report back

 

[umbrop]

Unfortunately (or fortunately) no long trips coming up but have a few shorter (1-2 hour) planned. I may have to test again as you suggested. But I can't be the only one with a cargo tray? 25% increase in efficiency may be worth the annoying beeping when reversing.

 

[rockhead]

Unfortunately (or fortunately) no long trips coming up but have a few shorter (1-2 hour) planned. I may have to test again as you suggested. But I can't be the only one with a cargo tray? 25% increase in efficiency may be worth the annoying beeping when reversing.

25% would be stunning if repeatable, I suspect tailwind or other assist factors. Next we have to build a rig that auto deploys at highway speed, up front its called the air dam this would the WTF

 

[MountainAlive]

I think you may be onto something here. I had AI do an aero adjustment:

 

[RLXXI]

I have owned this truck for over 3 years and have done plenty of long-distance drives. Typical efficiency is between 1.8-2.1 mi per kwh. I just returned from a 12 hour round trip drive where I needed extra storage and decided to attach this cargo carrier with storage bag. On the 6 hour drive out, the tray was folded up and efficiency was about 1.9 mi per kwh. On the way back, the truck was fully loaded and the tray was down. I was surprised to be averaging 2.5 for the entire trip. I don't know anything about aerodynamics or drag, but is it possible this makes the truck somehow more efficient? Note I have made this drive in the past and have never averaged anything like this. the drive is mostly highway.

Probably had a tail wind the entire time.

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