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Old 02-02-2014, 08:03 PM   #1
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"Vanes" on the front of an Itasca Sunrise

There is a 2007 Itasca Sunrise parked near me in the storage lot that has large vertical "fins" or "vanes" on the front corners along side the windshield down to the bumper. Does anyone know what they are for? It looks like it would hurt the aerodynamics. The only thing I came up with was maybe to help stabilize the coach and reduce wandering. It is probably just for style but they went to a lot trouble to add it just for that.

I don't have a picture but you can see what I mean by looking at the brochure sticky.
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Old 02-02-2014, 08:07 PM   #2
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Do they look like this:
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Old 02-02-2014, 10:56 PM   #3
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If they look like the picture above then yes they are vanes and yes they do disturb the air, which is exactly what the owner wants it to do. By doing so you get rid of the vacuum or dead air space that is created when driving. In theory this should improve aerodynamics and mpg's. It should also help with Big Rigs passing you pushing you to the side.
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Old 02-03-2014, 07:08 AM   #4
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Originally Posted by SuperGewl View Post
If they look like the picture above then yes they are vanes and yes they do disturb the air, which is exactly what the owner wants it to do. By doing so you get rid of the vacuum or dead air space that is created when driving. In theory this should improve aerodynamics and mpg's. It should also help with Big Rigs passing you pushing you to the side.
Right on. Of course, it is not possible to completely eliminate the aerodynamic problem that a square box creates. Additionally, theory goes that that the low pressure 'bubble' behind the MH oscillates back and forth (side to side). This can cause the tow vehicle to get pushed back and forth. These aero devices are to minimize that bubble which then puts less stress on the tow vehicle and 'stabilizes' it as well as the MH.

Maybe someone could talk MythBusters into doing some analysis!
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Old 02-03-2014, 11:10 AM   #5
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They are called Aero Tabs. I installed them on my beast. Either they work well to damper the pushing effect of large trucks passing or my driving has improved. I know it is a lot easier to control this thing at highway speed than before.
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Old 02-03-2014, 03:37 PM   #6
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Thanks

They are not like the ones pictured. I guess I didn't describe them well enough.

Thanks for the replies.

Bob
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Old 02-03-2014, 03:49 PM   #7
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Originally Posted by BobnMelba View Post
They are not like the ones pictured. I guess I didn't describe them well enough.

Thanks for the replies.

Bob
Is this the picture with the "fins" on the front.

07-Sunrise-bro.pdf
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Old 02-03-2014, 03:52 PM   #8
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They are called Aero Tabs. I installed them on my beast. Either they work well to damper the pushing effect of large trucks passing or my driving has improved. I know it is a lot easier to control this thing at highway speed than before.
Airtab: Aerodynamic fuel savers for truck, tractor, trailer, bus, RV
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Old 02-04-2014, 07:09 AM   #9
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I read the OP to say they run "alongside the WINDSHIELD".as adonh's photo shows...rgr...
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Old 02-04-2014, 07:19 AM   #10
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Yes that's the picture of what I am talking about. Thanks adon
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Old 02-04-2014, 10:06 AM   #11
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Purely styling. They changed them to body color for the '08 Sunrise/Voyage. I think too many folks thought they did something when they were black, stood out too much.
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Old 02-08-2014, 06:45 PM   #12
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My first question is do they work? And if so why don't we see more of them on the road, either on long line trucks or motor homes?
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Old 02-09-2014, 01:18 PM   #13
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Sounds promising. I am going to start looking for them on the road.
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