Hi Top Campervans (eg; Hi Ace) - Wind & Fuel Query
Vic said
12:26 AM Dec 4, 2011
Enquiring for someone else, do the narrow Hi Top campervans suffer a lot of buffeting from cross winds and passing trucks etc?
Also do the high tops increase fuel consumption much due to wind resistance etc.
The ones I am referring to are those with fibreglass dome tops added.
Can anyone who has had one of these or driven them comment please, also others who may wish to comment constructively.
Thanks
Vic
-- Edited by Vic on Sunday 4th of December 2011 12:28:09 AM
Sheba said
01:15 AM Dec 4, 2011
One of the reasons I bought a Pop-top Hi-ace was because I believe a Hi-top will have more wind-drag, therefore use more fuel.
I could be wrong, but I thought that seemed to be pretty basic reasoning.
Check out one of each side-by-side, and see what you think.
Cheers,
Sheba.
-- Edited by Sheba on Sunday 4th of December 2011 01:27:47 AM
Vic said
02:59 AM Dec 4, 2011
Thanks for the pic Sheba, yes I know the High Top would use more fuel than a flat top (pop top down), but would be interested to know whether there would be a great difference in the usage.
Also how difficult are they to control in strong side winds, trucks passing etc in comparison with the flat tops. I know my flat top wanders in strong cross winds so imagine the high tops would be even harder to control.
Hopefully someone who owns or has had/hired one of those at some time can tell me.
Helena said
07:13 AM Dec 4, 2011
We have had both the flat top was easier to control regards wind drag and it depends what size engine you have regards petrol we found our 1800 flat top far more economical than the 2 litre high top in fact that was one of the reasons we sold the high top as we were using it as our only vehichle. hope this is of some help to you Cheers Helena
Clare46 said
11:44 AM Dec 4, 2011
I have done over 30,000kms in a Toyota Hiace high top. The only time I've had any trouble with the wind was between Esperance and Norseman, WA but then there were winds blowing at about 100kms an hour and I had to get down to around 60km/hr.
The van I drive is rented and it is usually fairly new. I have had one with 53,000kms and the other with 33,000kms on the speedo when I started. Traveling at 90 -95 kms /ph I usually get around 11litre/100kms
ChiChi1 said
12:34 PM Dec 4, 2011
My Transit hgh top uses 10ltr/100kms. Not a problem with trucks. Can feel it in cross winds a bit.
Vic said
12:51 PM Dec 4, 2011
Thanks for the feedback all, it's exactly what I was looking for, I will pass this onto the person looking at High Tops.
I do like the idea of not having to put a pop top up and down. I suppose it is always a matter of compromise.
Clare, I always have a chuckle when I see your avatar (good one), I remember you post about retiring soon and with your avatar was wonding how many who didn't know you perhaps thought you were retiring from the "trade", lol
Clare46 said
01:28 PM Dec 4, 2011
Vic
I probably would have finished up with more money if that was the case LOL
Vic said
02:26 PM Dec 4, 2011
Yes it does make you wonder sometimes if we were in the right "business" when working Clare .
Great avatar all the same !
Sheba said
07:55 PM Dec 4, 2011
I use 9 ltrs per 100 K's Diesel, around town, and doing 90 on the open road, Cheers,
Sheba.
-- Edited by Sheba on Sunday 4th of December 2011 07:57:27 PM
Enquiring for someone else, do the narrow Hi Top campervans suffer a lot of buffeting from cross winds and passing trucks etc?
Also do the high tops increase fuel consumption much due to wind resistance etc.
The ones I am referring to are those with fibreglass dome tops added.
Can anyone who has had one of these or driven them comment please, also others who may wish to comment constructively.
Thanks
Vic
-- Edited by Vic on Sunday 4th of December 2011 12:28:09 AM
One of the reasons I bought a Pop-top Hi-ace was because I believe a Hi-top will have more wind-drag, therefore use more fuel.
I could be wrong, but I thought that seemed to be pretty basic reasoning.
Check out one of each side-by-side, and see what you think.
Cheers,
Sheba.
-- Edited by Sheba on Sunday 4th of December 2011 01:27:47 AM
Thanks for the pic Sheba, yes I know the High Top would use more fuel than a flat top (pop top down), but would be interested to know whether there would be a great difference in the usage.
Also how difficult are they to control in strong side winds, trucks passing etc in comparison with the flat tops. I know my flat top wanders in strong cross winds so imagine the high tops would be even harder to control.
Hopefully someone who owns or has had/hired one of those at some time can tell me.
I have done over 30,000kms in a Toyota Hiace high top. The only time I've had any trouble with the wind was between Esperance and Norseman, WA but then there were winds blowing at about 100kms an hour and I had to get down to around 60km/hr.
The van I drive is rented and it is usually fairly new. I have had one with 53,000kms and the other with 33,000kms on the speedo when I started. Traveling at 90 -95 kms /ph I usually get around 11litre/100kms
Thanks for the feedback all, it's exactly what I was looking for, I will pass this onto the person looking at High Tops.
I do like the idea of not having to put a pop top up and down. I suppose it is always a matter of compromise.
Clare, I always have a chuckle when I see your avatar (good one), I remember you post about retiring soon and with your avatar was wonding how many who didn't know you perhaps thought you were retiring from the "trade", lol
Vic
I probably would have finished up with more money if that was the case LOL
Yes it does make you wonder sometimes if we were in the right "business" when working Clare .
Great avatar all the same !
I use 9 ltrs per 100 K's Diesel, around town, and doing 90 on the open road, Cheers,
Sheba.
-- Edited by Sheba on Sunday 4th of December 2011 07:57:27 PM
Thanks Sheba, that's pretty good economy!!