Airtabs on a van?

terryandrene · Jun 16, 2007

I forgot to bring my tape measure this trip so I can't give you off-the-floor distance, but the base of the QC is about 4 inches above the top of the door opening. No inteference with the freight. No brackets needed because the antenna is supported by the roof.

dhalltoyo · Jun 17, 2007

Terry,

I wanted to say thank you for your reply to my question.

If you might happen to know the Model Number of the vent that you installed, it would be greatly appreciated as well.

Best regards,

terryandrene · Jun 17, 2007

I have a Fantastic Model 6000RBTA and a fanless vent model 900 in the sleeper. The reason for the two in the sleeper is to provide air supply. If you have no vent, you'll need to crack open window. I did that once and woke up with a van full of gnats.

For the Qualcomm dome, I used another model 900 with the screen removed. All three of my Fantastics are high profile, standard white dome. there is a good description of the various models in the site at which I purchased my vents. The service was personal, fast and as good as it gets.

http://members.aol.com/fantasticvent/index.htm

dhalltoyo · Jun 18, 2007

Terry,

I am not good with tools; therefore, I need to have a sunroof jobber cut the hole for me.

Can I assume that all QC's have the same diameter?

Could I cut hole, mount the vent and gasket prior to taking it to the carrier for installing the QC?

Again, thank you for your time in answering my questions.

terryandrene · Jun 18, 2007

Yes, you could cut the hole and install the vent and later drop in the antenna and hook the wires. If you or your carrier would feel better, some silicone/latex caulk could help maintain the position of the antenna in the hole. I'v seen a couple of slightly different shapes/sizes, but only suspect the holes are same diameter.

Cutting the hole is as simple as can be. I used a metal blade in a basic jig saw. Anyone with a jig saw can do it so save your jobber money.

If for some reason your carrier doesn't like the idea of an antenna in a hole in a vent in a roof, you would still have a vent for the rear of the van and that's a good thing. whatever you do, place the antenna as far back as practical so you won't hear the antenna searching for the signal as you try to sleep.

OntarioVanMan · Jul 5, 2007

terry you were right on about the Tabs working on a Sprinter...drove acoss SD to Minnisota today and what a difference...When an 18 wheeler came from the opposite direction I wasn't sucked in and all over the road and the same on I29 when they passed me...straight trucks never even felt them!!! Van seems to steer truer even had about 15mph prairie wind to deal with...Haven't done a mileage check yet but will in the next week or 2. At this point very pleased with the improved handling alone!!

terryandrene · Jul 5, 2007

OVM: we need to open an Airtab franchise!

Fr8 Shaker · Jul 19, 2007

Both of these ideas sound great. Thanks Terry

OntarioVanMan · Jul 22, 2007

MPG's with tabs...hit 24.7 from Blacksburg VA to here in Lebanon In. with850lbs on thru them mountains...other then that hiting a consistent 23.8 24.3 mpg this is an improvement from 22.5-24. Personal high last week 25.7

terryandrene · Jul 22, 2007

OVM

If you paid $100 for your airtabs, you will have your investment returned in 1205 miles if your figures and my guesses are accurate. My tabs were a gift, so I'm ahead in fuel savings since the day I installed them.

We can't afford not to have these money savers, even on a van.

RLENT · Jul 23, 2007

I've been following this thread with interest - I have to admit ..... I was a little skeptical of the claims initially ..... but it really sounds like they are working out and do deliver on their claims of better handling and increased fuel mileage.

For the low cost it seems like they would be well worthwhile.

Ken - any chance of getting a picture of them on your Sprinter ?

Turtle · Jul 23, 2007

I ordered mine yesterday, so next time I'm home I'll install them and take pictures.

Oh, sorry, wrong Ken. :+

OntarioVanMan · Jul 23, 2007

Thats ok turtle...relent I don't have my digital with me...turtles will prolly look the same...

RLENT · Jul 23, 2007

Totally fine - either Ken will do .....

Thanks guys !

RLENT · Jul 24, 2007

Ooops - forgot to ask the more important thing ..... how many are you guys sticking on a Sprinter ?

Turtle · Jul 24, 2007

I ordered 40 of them. That will give me 3 or 4 (I think) extra to cover screw-ups and for spares. I ordered them on blind faith, because OVM told me to order that many.

$100 plus $9.62 shipping (your shipping may vary).