F-150 aerodynamics modeling

[ShirBlackspots]

Would be cool, but that just looks like a ICE f150 in Camo.

Seeing some old 2019 photos w/ that extra height on the cab: https://www.caranddriver.com/photos/g27408306/2021-ford-f-150-pickup-spied-gallery/?slide=11

So probably just a way they apply the camo.

The top of the F150 does have two random stand-offs, so that's probably it, not really sure why those exist

Those might be radar for the Blue Cruise. They could also be the SirusXM and Cellular Radio antennas.

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[Blainestang]

Would be cool, but that just looks like a ICE f150 in Camo.

Seeing some old 2019 photos w/ that extra height on the cab: https://www.caranddriver.com/photos/g27408306/2021-ford-f-150-pickup-spied-gallery/?slide=11

So probably just a way they apply the camo.

The top of the F150 does have two random stand-offs, so that's probably it, not really sure why those exist

Maybe they put some sort of full width cap over those nubs then camo over it? Weird.

 

[Pedaldude]

...They could also be the SirusXM and Cellular Radio antennas.

That's what they are basically, the RADAR is in the very front of the truck either behind the bumper or grille. I forget exactly where.

The fastback improving the drag coefficient is pretty obvious but unfortunately, it's no longer really a pickup truck anymore. The utility of an open bed is what pickup trucks were originally designed for. The modern crew cab shortbed trucks are pretty much a workaround for CAFE standards, which were meant to make it difficult for consumers to buy full-size sedans and station wagons. Of course people didn't want to drive around shitbox economy cars, so SUVs and four door pickups took over the market.

Since fuel economy is not a factor yet with BEVs, it will be interesting to see if any manufacturers come out with a nice big station wagon. Since everyone and their cousin is debuting electric trucks lately.

 

[Airspeed00]

Would be cool, but that just looks like a ICE f150 in Camo.

Seeing some old 2019 photos w/ that extra height on the cab: https://www.caranddriver.com/photos/g27408306/2021-ford-f-150-pickup-spied-gallery/?slide=11

So probably just a way they apply the camo.

The top of the F150 does have two random stand-offs, so that's probably it, not really sure why those exist

There is a spoiler add on for the cab available through Ford parts. The camo truck has it installed

Part #: VML3Z9944210A

 

[BHunted1]

Spoiler on the cab, you say?

This truck was spotted near a Lightning that was charging at an EA station (black F-150 at left of picture is a charging Lightning).

Looks like something aero going on at the rear of the cab to me.

Not new. I put one on my '19 Ranger Lariat...

 

[FXDR131]

Spoiler on the cab, you say?

This truck was spotted near a Lightning that was charging at an EA station (black F-150 at left of picture is a charging Lightning).

Looks like something aero going on at the rear of the cab to me.

The test mules for this current gen had that same lip on the rear of the cab, but never made it into production. Could be a fake-out or maybe they will.

 

[Lightning_Bob]

Not new. I put one on my '19 Ranger Lariat...

When you added the cab spoiler/wing and hard tonneau cover - did you see a difference in your highway mpg?

As far as aerodynamics go, depending on the cab spoiler/wing geometry (combined with a hard tonneau cover) it should almost be as good as a sloped/fastback bed cap.

 

[Blainestang]

The test mules for this current gen had that same lip on the rear of the cab, but never made it into production. Could be a fake-out or maybe they will.

Yeah, it may not be a meaningful difference on the gas version, but perhaps in the EV it is. For instance, if it improves range by 4%, but that takes it from 288 to 300 miles, then it's probably worth it to add $150/truck, cost.

 

[BHunted1]

When you added the cab spoiler/wing and hard tonneau cover - did you see a difference in your highway mpg?

As far as aerodynamics go, depending on the cab spoiler/wing geometry (combined with a hard tonneau cover) it should almost be as good as a sloped/fastback bed cap.

Honestly don't remember. I always got good mpg with it.
IF you are going to put one on, it's easy. But if you have the Flipbak cover, that's a prob. To open them fully, the must lean against the back of cab. This will not enable that and can ruin the spoiler.
I did it for looks as I was building an Overland truck. I ended up getting rid of it and put a retract style cover on. Lesson learned the hard way.

 

[gorwell]

There is a spoiler add on for the cab available through Ford parts. The camo truck has it installed

Part #: VML3Z9944210A

Interesting never saw that before.

Not sure if that's really a meaningful difference, all spoilers intended for aerodynamics I see have a pass-thru for air:

R1T

Ioniq5

Here's Hyundai's reason for the spoiler:

The rear spoiler is a key component in a vehicle's aerodynamic design. When the car is running, air flows all the way to the left and right, and up and down the car body. At this time, the rear spoiler reduces the force that lifts the car due to the air under the car body. At the same time, it improves driving stability by minimizing the eddy currents (vortex) that the air that has passed over the vehicle body and formed at the rear of the vehicle. The technology to reduce the lift is often applied to high-performance cars or race cars running at high speed, and the rear spoiler of a general passenger car is mostly to increase driving stability and fuel economy by adjusting the vortex of the air. For this reason, fine tuning such as the shape and angle of the rear spoiler is required based on the concept of the car.

https://news.hyundaimotorgroup.com/...Combination-The-aerodynamic-design-of-IONIQ-5

 

[DadBald]

So what about a regular bed topper?

 

[Blainestang]

So what about a regular bed topper?

Not going to see much, if any, improvement, I would guess, because you're still going from full cross-section to nothing all at once... which is murder on aero.

The key is to slowly reduce your cross-sectional area until you get to ~50%, THEN cut it off.

 

[DadBald]

So the thought of the fast back is growing on me. It's basically a regular topper, just... triangle shaped. You still get the full height of the "interior" towards the cab, and the full height of the bed at the far back, so it's better than a tonneau cover (except you can't roll it back). Better than a hard bed cap (more space). Maybe no side access like a full topper, but I could see someone making one with operable side windows. I like how the example given has some pistons to make it work like a hatchback. Seems nice.

Idanno, it does look different for sure, but it could be alright. And 15% extra range brings you from 300 to 345 miles. If that's laden mileage, then if it's just me on the highway, I could get across the state and back on one charge. Might be seriously worth it.

 

[Pioneer74]

Don't buy the fastback without seeing it in person. I saw one on the road a couple of years ago driving home from work. You can make your own mind up on how it looks. I personally didn't like it.

 

[Blainestang]

So the thought of the fast back is growing on me. It's basically a regular topper, just... triangle shaped. You still get the full height of the "interior" towards the cab, and the full height of the bed at the far back, so it's better than a tonneau cover (except you can't roll it back). Better than a hard bed cap (more space). Maybe no side access like a full topper, but I could see someone making one with operable side windows. I like how the example given has some pistons to make it work like a hatchback. Seems nice.

Idanno, it does look different for sure, but it could be alright. And 15% extra range brings you from 300 to 345 miles. If that's laden mileage, then if it's just me on the highway, I could get across the state and back on one charge. Might be seriously worth it.

Just to be clear, theoretical 15% decrease in drag may not mean that THIS design gets 15% decrease in drag.

Also, air drag is the main component of total drag at interstate speeds, but it's not the only component. So, you're removing 15% of the aero drag, but that may only be 15% of aero drag may only be 10% of the TOTAL drag, for instance, with tire friction and such accounting for some of the total drag.

But yeah, I like the idea in general. It makes even more sense if you were going to buy a "regular" topper or bed cover in the first place.

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