May 17, 2017
Airtabs,
Advanced-RV, a builder of custom Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Class B motor homes in Cleveland, OH, recently tested Airtabs on their Super Stealth model, which is built on the Super High Top Sprinter chassis. Compared to the standard Sprinter, the higher, smoother profile of the Super Stealth causes different aerodynamic flow lines, which change the vehicle’s response to wind disturbance, such as crosswinds, and other airflow interruptions, such as truck traffic. The installation of Airtabs on the Super Stealth noticeably improved the ride, stability and handling of the Super Stealth.
Advanced-RV (ARV) is on a continuous quest for improvement in all aspects of their motor homes, including handling. When a client reported improved handling of his new Super Stealth with Airtabs, the ARV team set out to systematically evaluate it. With the help of engineers from Neundorfer, Inc., which conducts gas flow modeling and optimization, through both physical and computer modeling, the engineers at Advanced RV evaluated the design of Airtabs and determined they would break up the uniform rear eddy currents and possibly improve handling. Subsequently, they installed Airtabs on a demo Super Stealth model, named Runaway, with the support of Airtab and according to their installation recommendations.
Your Airtabs made an enormous improvement, the Super High Roof now handles better than our previous model and is a joy to drive rather than a handful.
The owner of ARV, Mike Neundorfer, who had driven Runaway for about 6,000 miles before the Airtab installation, drove it another 7,000 miles after installation of the Airtabs, experiencing headwinds, tailwinds and high speed truck traffic. The conclusion, although anecdotal, is that AirTabs made a significant improvement in the stability of the Super Stealth.
At Advanced-RV (www.advanced-RV.com), where every motor home is unique, clients are invited to be part of the design team. Each motor home is built on a foundation of integrated technology, including all electric Lithium batteries and auto-charging system; large tanks; diesel heat and on-demand hot water systems; and, a single, integrated color touch screen information and control system. When Mercedes Benz introduced their Super High Top chassis, Advanced RV designed the high ceiling, Super Stealth model, with ducted air conditioning. Airtabs is part of its continuous improvement. Advanced-RV is a Mercedes Benz Master Upfitter and builds custom motor homes on 2500 and 3500 models of rear wheel and 4x4 Sprinter chassis. They build on 144” and 170” wheelbase models and all body configurations
Regards,
Mike Neundorfer
August 10, 2016
Jack,
Attached is a photo of Airtabs on our 2016 Sprinter conversion by Advanced-RV. This is the first Super High Roof Sprinter in the US.
This is our second Sprinter. The Super High Roof was much more squirrelly than our previous model.
Your Airtabs made an enormous improvement, the Super High Roof now handles better than our previous model and is a joy to drive rather than a handful.
Thankls,
Dave and Carol, Florida
Received May 21, 2016
Recently finished a trip, over 2000 miles, with the Airtabs, that I can compare quite closely to several trips made before the Airtab installation. Although I doubt the data would stand up to rigorous statistical analysis, I am quite happy with the results and my own knowledge of the weather and road conditions when comparing these trips.
TI believe we got a solid 3 to 4 percent increase in gas mileage, about a half mile per gallon improvement, in the most recent trip compared to several prior trips. The trips were pretty much the same: long on interstate highways and short on city driving. When our camping club meets again this September, I will update my findings to the others who have also installed Airtabs but did not have data for comparison.
I apologize for taking nearly two years to reply; however, I wanted to make a "before and after" comparison as close as I could. As to my picture of the installation - that was a picture of the “good” side!
As I reported earlier, even without the increase in gas mileage, the handling improvement of the van in nasty winds has made the purchase, painting, and installation efforts well worth it!
Regards,
Herman
Received April 2 2015
Jack,
They offered a new challenge as this is the first of these vans sold in the Rocky Mountain area. But, as usual, they applied smoothly, and were painted to match the van's original color.
As a trucker, I know the value of stability, so I know that the Airtabs work as advertised.
I had put a set on a friends coach van, and she told me, "What as difference in stability and handling".
If you have a " high profile " vehicle, you need Airtabs!
Rob C.
Cheyenne, WY
Jack,
I got the Air Tabs installed but haven't ran them enough to tell if they are going to help. I never had a problem with rainspray so can't tell any difference there. I have noticed that when a 18 wheeler pulls back close in front of me the "buffeting" is reduced. Can still feel it but it is reduced. It is going to be hard to tell on fuel mileage because we idle the van to stay warm or cool when sleeping and waiting. That really messes up my MPG. This year Jan averaged 13.0, Feb 12.6, March 13.4, Apr 13.7, May 14.4, and so far June is 13.6. June has about half with and half without the Air Tabs.Every year April and May and Sept and Oct are the best fuel mileage months mostly because of the weather.
Jim N.
Marshville NC
Received December 2008
Jack
Airtabs™ work great no sway when big truck pass don't know about mileage as I put them on when I first got truck. back stays nice and clean because no spray.
Thanks,
Bill Allen
March 2, 2012
Jack, Our Air Tabs arrived in record time and we were able to get them on quickly. They have cut down on the problem we were experiencing with buffeting. This is THE ANSWER!!! I thought you would like to hear what our teenage grand daughter said about the new look of our van. She asked us when we "bedazzled" our van! Cute!!! She loves the look!!
We love our Air Tabs!
India Hamner
