Two weeks ago I installed a Lund Trident bug sheild on my 05 Lariat Screw. Since I've had my truck I've always averaged about 16 mpg. After installing the bug shield, I can't get above 13 mpg. I've gone throught two tanks of gas with the same results. My driving habits are the same, as well as the same roads I take daily, mostly back roads.

I didn't know if it was possible for the bug shield to affect the aerodynamics and alter the mpg?

 

Geez, is that bug shield made out of inch thick lead?...I would check out other things on your truck...maybe something else is the problem and it is just a coincidence that it started happening around the time you installed the shield.

 

I have heard about this before. I had on a mine but never payed attention to gas mileage, I took it off when I but on the ramair hood it didn't let the air flow in to the hood vents.. take it off and run two more tanks see what happens. It is possible

 

I agree...Personally, I have a hard time imagining how a bug shield could increase the drag that significantly...

 

Just how big are thsoe bugs down in North Cackalacky?

(cscoios, if they got license plates they ain't bugs, they is Volkswagons)

 

Raoul, lol. I agree with you guys, I think I'll take the shield off this weekend and see what happens. If this is the problem, I just wasted $80.

 

Anything that changes the aerodynamics of the truck will either increase or decrease fuel economy. That being said, a 3mpg decrease due to a bug shield is not realistic, something else must be the culprit

 

If it's not the shield, casually chat with your neighbors to see if any of them have 'gasoline breath'.

 

Hey Raoul
Still just a simple goat herder

As another simple goat herder and former Tarheel, I found you have to be simple to be a goat herder. I learned a few things about goats when I decided I needed them to keep my hills clear. You can keep goats anywhere they want to be. If they don't want to be there, there isn't a fence in the world that will hold them. I think any fence that will hold a goat will also hold water. I also learned that goats will start trying to reproduce by the time they are 2 weeks old and nannie goats are always pregnant.

 

Glad we got that cleared up.

I've heard this about bug shields also, and I agree 3 MPG is a bit stiff. Are you sure it is the same driving conditions? Higher price gasoline...your station could be paddin with some water...just a thought. I quit using a BS because I like the looks better without it, but to each his own.

 

Check your tire pressures, mine were low and it made a big difference when I topped them up.

 

Mike, thats a good point. I check every other week or so. When I step out today, I'll give this a look.

thanks to all for the feedback.

 

It is possible the bug shield changed the front aerodynamics and the rear, meaning the airflow has been disrupted to hit inside the tailgate, which could have a much larger effect. Unless you have a wind tunnel, it may be hard to find out though. I know my mileage actually goes down a bit with my tailgate down!

 

Might be time to consider installing a tonneau cover to smooth out the rear airflow. I pulled the bug deflector off of my Expy a year ago, really didn't notice an increase in bug splat harvest.

 

I have an Undercover.