Weight vs Aero on exterior accessories

[BennyTheBeaver]

I plan on keeping my truck, externally, as close to stock as possible.

The one thing I will be adding on is running boards (for my kids). I'm trying to figure out which has a greater effect on range (negatively); the extra weight of a motorized RB or a standard RB which protrudes from the vehicle a little more (potentially effecting the truck's aerodynamics).

Anyone have insight for both my ponderance and in general?

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[data003]

If you’re driving at highway speeds a lot, aerodynamics is way more important.

 

[GDN]

I do know that every little thing can add up, but truly at the end of the day with these trucks my gut tells me that this decision will make very little difference in your daily life and range.

If you are a 250 mile per day guy then it might matter, otherwise no, get the ones that make the most difference to you and that you like.

 

[broncoaz]

$250 for some factory take off steps vs $1300+ for motorized steps, I went for the fixed steps. I also want the fixed steps (combined with mud flaps) to protect the sides of the truck from rocks and road debris. Maybe I’m wrong, but I can’t imagine these will impact the range much.

 

[ExCivilian]

Unless we're discussing unsprung weight, aerodynamics tend to have a more significant impact than weight would. Consider also that weights will impact vehicles differently depending on their (the vehicles') weight.

On a 3,000lb vehicle, a 300lb weight is 10% of the total whereas the same 300lb weight in our trucks isn't even 5% of the total. The weight penalty, relative to the overall weight, is reduced by more than half in that scenario.

Once you get into unsprung weight (primarily the wheels), variables like inertia and where the mass is located are more apparent in the driving characteristics. They also get people to that weight penalty quicker (eg, 20lbs on each corner will "feel" like roughly 250-300lbs to the vehicle).

While these considerations are primarily related to highway speeds, city-street speeds aren't likely to have much of an impact on range anyway, chargers are more prevalent, and the city/daily range is sufficient to charge primarily or exclusively at home.

One thing that might be as much or possibly more important is how low the steps drop. Since the OP is putting these on for kids, or for those members who might struggle with the standard step height due to age or medical condition, the fact the powered steps drop lower than the fixed ones might be an important factor.

 

[Firestop]

@OutofSpecKyle did the loaded bed range test video ~2 months ago () that may provide some additional info related to this discussion…….

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