6 Best RV Wind Deflectors for Improved Fuel Efficiency to Slash Fuel Costs
Reduce aerodynamic drag to boost your RV’s fuel efficiency. We review the 6 best wind deflectors on the market designed to help you slash fuel costs.
You can feel it the moment you hit the highway—that relentless wall of air pushing against your rig, turning your tow vehicle into a gas-guzzling brick. Every RVer knows the pain of watching the fuel gauge plummet, especially when fighting a headwind. A well-chosen wind deflector can be one of the most effective investments you make, turning that aerodynamic drag into dollars back in your pocket.
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How Wind Deflectors Boost Your RV’s MPG
Think of your truck and trailer as two separate boxes moving through the air. The gap between them creates a turbulent, high-pressure zone that acts like a parachute, constantly pulling you back. It’s a major source of aerodynamic drag, and your engine has to burn more fuel to overcome it.
A wind deflector, mounted on the roof of your tow vehicle, smooths out this transition. It lifts the airflow up and over the tall, flat front of your trailer, effectively making the two vehicles one longer, more streamlined shape. This simple change can reduce drag significantly.
The result? Your engine doesn’t have to work as hard to maintain highway speed. While manufacturers often claim fuel savings of up to 3 MPG or 15-20%, real-world results typically fall in the 8-12% improvement range. That might not sound like a revolution, but on a 3,000-mile cross-country trip, that’s hundreds of dollars saved. It’s one of the few upgrades that literally pays for itself over time.
Icon AeroShield: A Top Choice for Versatility
Protect your vehicle and improve efficiency with the ICON AeroShield Wind Deflector. This no-drill deflector fits most vehicles, offering up to 3mpg better fuel mileage, enhanced stability, and protection from bugs on your trailer.
The Icon AeroShield is a common sight on the road for good reason. It hits the sweet spot between performance, adjustability, and price. Made from a high-impact acrylic or ABS plastic, it’s durable enough to handle road debris and years of sun exposure without becoming brittle.
What makes the AeroShield so practical is its adjustability. The mounting hardware allows you to change the angle of the shield, which is crucial for dialing in the aerodynamics for your specific truck and trailer combination. A tall fifth wheel pulled by a standard-height truck needs a different angle than a shorter travel trailer. This flexibility ensures you’re getting the most benefit.
Installation is straightforward, typically involving a no-drill clamp system that attaches to your truck’s door jambs. This makes it easy to install, adjust, or remove entirely when you’re not towing. For the RVer who uses their truck as a daily driver, this is a massive advantage.
NoseCone: The Original Aerodynamic Solution
NoseCone has been in the game for decades, and their products are a testament to a simple, effective design. They are essentially the original pioneers of trailer aerodynamics. Their deflectors are typically made of tough, lightweight fiberglass, which offers excellent rigidity and longevity.
The design isn’t flashy, but it’s incredibly effective. A NoseCone is engineered to create a clean, aerodynamic leading edge for your trailer, whether it’s a fifth wheel, travel trailer, or even a cargo trailer. They are built to last and have a proven track record of reducing fuel consumption and improving towing stability.
Because they’ve been around so long, you can find models specifically shaped for a wide variety of trailer fronts. While they may lack the on-the-fly adjustability of some newer designs, their fixed, optimized shape is a set-it-and-forget-it solution. This makes them a great choice for full-timers or anyone with a dedicated tow rig who values proven performance over bells and whistles.
Purple Line Aeroplus for Rooftop Mounting
The Purple Line Aeroplus takes a completely different approach. Instead of mounting on your tow vehicle, this deflector mounts directly to the roof of your RV or travel trailer. This is a game-changer for a couple of key reasons.
First, it means the deflector is always with your trailer. If you ever switch tow vehicles, you don’t have to worry about compatibility—the aerodynamic benefit is tied to the trailer itself. Second, it eliminates the hassle of installing and removing a deflector from your truck. It’s always there, ready to go.
However, this approach comes with a significant tradeoff: installation requires drilling into your RV’s roof. This must be done carefully with proper sealing to prevent any chance of water leaks down the road. For many, this is a deal-breaker. But for those comfortable with the installation, the Aeroplus offers a sleek, integrated solution that works with any tow vehicle you pair it with.
Taylor Wing: Heavy-Duty Truck Performance
If you’re towing a massive fifth wheel with a semi-style hauler or a heavy-duty dually, you need a deflector built to match. The Taylor Wing is a commercial-grade solution, often seen on semi-trucks, that has been adapted for the serious RVer. These are built from aluminum, making them incredibly strong and rigid.
The primary advantage of a Taylor Wing is its robust construction and size. It can effectively manage the immense airflow coming off a large, tall truck cab and direct it over a 13-foot-tall fifth wheel. This level of performance is essential for maximizing efficiency with the largest of rigs, where even a small percentage of fuel savings translates into big money.
This is not a budget option. The cost and heavy-duty mounting reflect its commercial origins. But for the full-time RVer with a top-tier rig, the improved stability in crosswinds and the substantial fuel savings on long hauls can justify the investment. It’s a professional tool for a professional-level setup.
Wingmaster Deflector: Adjustable and Sleek
Enhance your ride with PBYMT Side Wings, designed for Harley Davidson Touring models (2014-up). These adjustable deflectors effectively manage airflow, keeping you comfortable year-round, and install easily without modifications.
The Wingmaster deflector series focuses on combining performance with modern aesthetics. They offer a lower-profile, sleeker look than some of the more industrial-looking options, which appeals to owners of newer, more stylish trucks.
Their key feature is a highly adjustable mounting system. This allows for precise tuning of the deflector’s height and angle, which is critical for optimizing airflow. Getting the air to flow cleanly onto the trailer roof, rather than hitting the top or bottom edge, makes all the difference. This fine-tuning capability helps you squeeze every last bit of efficiency out of your setup.
Like the Icon, Wingmaster deflectors typically use a no-drill clamp system for easy installation and removal. They are a solid choice for the RVer who wants a modern look, excellent adjustability, and doesn’t want to permanently modify their vehicle.
Custom FRP Deflectors for a Perfect Match
For the ultimate in performance, nothing beats a custom solution. Fiberglass Reinforced Plastic (FRP) is the material of choice for creating custom-molded deflectors that perfectly match the contours of your truck cab and the specific height of your trailer.
A custom FRP deflector is designed as an integrated part of your specific rig. A fabricator can shape it to minimize the gap between truck and trailer and create the ideal aerodynamic curve. This eliminates turbulence far more effectively than any universal-fit product can. The result is maximum fuel efficiency and a noticeable improvement in towing stability.
This is the most expensive and involved path. It requires finding a skilled fiberglass fabricator and can cost significantly more than an off-the-shelf product. It’s the go-to option for dedicated, long-haul RVers who have finalized their truck-and-trailer combination and are looking to optimize it to the absolute fullest.
Key Factors in Choosing Your Wind Deflector
Choosing the right deflector isn’t about picking the "best" one, but the best one for you. The most expensive, heavy-duty wing is overkill for a small travel trailer, and a small deflector won’t do much for a giant toy hauler. Keep these factors in mind.
First, consider your specific truck and trailer combination. The height difference between your truck’s cab and your trailer’s roof is the single most important variable. You also need to measure the gap between the tailgate and the trailer front. A larger gap and a greater height difference require a larger, more aggressive deflector.
Next, think about materials and installation.
- Material: ABS plastic is a great all-arounder, fiberglass is rigid and proven, and aluminum is for heavy-duty applications.
- Adjustability: Can you change the angle and height? This is crucial for fine-tuning performance, especially if you might change trailers one day.
- Installation: Do you want a temporary, no-drill clamp system that you can easily remove, or are you okay with a more permanent, drilled-in solution?
Finally, be realistic about your budget and usage. If you only take a few short trips a year, a basic, affordable model will do the trick. If you’re a full-timer covering 10,000 miles a year, investing in a higher-end, perfectly matched deflector will pay for itself much faster and provide a better towing experience along the way.
Ultimately, a wind deflector is a simple tool that solves a complex physics problem. By investing a few hundred dollars upfront, you can save thousands over the life of your RV adventures. It’s a smart, practical upgrade that makes every mile a little easier on both your engine and your wallet.
