If you've ever towed a trailer, you have probably noticed a few differences compared to driving without a trailer...your fuel mileage is lower, your vehicle doesn't handle as good, and it's even less stable with any kind of wind.

Some people just accept this as a normal part of towing a trailer.  Others have looked for solutions to remedy these problems.  That is probably how the first wind deflector was created.

It makes sense.  Almost all of the big semi-trucks that you see on our highways have a big ramp that sends the wind over and around their big, block-shaped trailers.
 
Why would the rules of aerodynamics be any different for smaller vehicles pulling things like 5th wheel RV’s, travel trailers, horse trailers, and utility trailers?

That is why many companies, such as Icon Technologies, have developed wind deflectors.  These unit are also known as air deflectors, truck wings, wind ramps, etc.  To my knowledge, there are two types of wind deflectors on the market today: rooftop mounted and stake pocket mounted.

There are a few disadvantages to the ones that attach to a “headache” rack that slides into the stake pockets of a pick-up truck.  First of all, you can only use them if you have a truck.  That excludes SUV’s, vans, and cars.  Second, the tubes flex in the stake pockets with changes in the wind.  This can lead to spider web cracking in the paint.  Third, some of these types of wind deflectors have actually hit the trailer.  And finally, these wind deflectors are more bulky because of the headache rack.  This means a higher overall cost, higher shipping costs, and more difficulty removing and storing it.

Within roof mounted wind deflectors there are also two different types.  The first type requires drilling into your roof in order to bolt them on.  The second type stands on suction cup feet to protect the roof of your vehicle.  You don’t have to drill any holes in your roof or modify your vehicle in any way.  It is securely fastened to your roof with 4 nylon straps and vinyl coated hooks that attach between the door and roof.  This mounting method makes this wind deflector very easy to remove.

The roof mounted wind deflectors are also perfect for cube vans.  Like a semi-trailer, a cube van is designed to maximize storage space.  Aerodynamics is a concern for these vehicles too, as seen with those bubbles mounted to the front.  However, I think that a wind deflector would be more effective than a bubble dome.

Even small vehicles pulling small trailers will benefit from a wind deflector.  If your trailer is higher than your tow vehicle, it will create wind drag.

In my opinion, the best wind deflector on the market is the AeroShield Wind Deflector made by Icon Technologies.  It is a rooftop mounted unit, which means it doesn’t have the problems that a stake pocket model does.  And it uses the second rooftop mounting method, which doesn’t require drilling.

The AeroShield comes completely assembled, ready for quick installation on almost any vehicle using the appropriate installation kit (included in the box).  It can be adjusted to virtually any angle, creating maximum aerodynamic efficiency by directing the air over the top and sides of the trailer.  It quickly and easily folds flat when not in use.  In the flat position, the AeroShield also reduces tailgate drag for pick-ups by deflecting the wind over the truck box.  Made of ultra strong, lightweight polymer material and aircraft aluminum, the AeroShield is designed to flow with the lines of your vehicle.  You can even paint the AeroShield to match your vehicle.
 
Although there is some debate over whether they actually work, wind deflectors have been proven to increase fuel mileage and improve stability and handling.  They also reduce the amount of road debris and bugs on the front of your trailer.  Not all wind deflectors are created equal, though.  Results may vary with lower quality copycat products out there.  Be sure to get a top quality AeroShield Wind Deflector!

With today's fuel prices, you can't afford not to have your own wind deflector.
Get yours today at Icon Technologies' eBay Store!