Forum Discussion

Red-Rover's avatar
Red-Rover
Explorer
Dec 12, 2013

Towing resistance, old and new

For the past 10 years I have been towing a 1993 Prowler 30 ft with a height of exactly 12 foot. I am about to pull the trigger on a new 29 foot Silver Back of similar weight and pin weight but a foot taller (13 foot) The dealer says that the improved aerodynamics with a nose cap will make up the difference and I should not notice any difference.
Anybody out there that can tell me of their own experience?
  • I would not worry about it a brick is a brick nomatter if you round the corners.if you enjoyed the prowler you will enjoy the creek
  • For me just the fact that I'm out in the RV enjoying the outdoors and life far outweighs any costs incurred. 3MPG or 12MPG I would still be out travelling in my RV.
  • Mileage is not the issue for me but with my present Prowler, I will average 9.8 mpg at the end of almost any 2000 mile trip. Considerably less in the western mountains but I once got 22 mpg over a 4 hour period with a 25 mph tailwind. Really sailing.
  • I can't imagine it will make much if any difference. Maybe one mpg. Will that be enough to offset the cost of the upgrade??

    B.O.
  • I don't think the Silverback will be all that much better. Some yes, but not 2-3mpg better. It's not a mid profile. Yes it has rounded corners but it's still pretty high in the front. To get the best mpg you need a mid profile front.

    What are you getting for mpg now?

    I would tend to agree with your salesman, it will probably be a wash.
  • I would tend to agree with the sales man. The aerodynamics have in fact come a VERY long way in the last 20 years. You are pulling a 20 year old camper with virtually no aerodynamic qualities while the Silverbacks nose is very aerodynamic. This along with the smooth fiberglass exterior walls creates much less wind resistance. Keep in mind that the height is also measured to the top of the tallest point which in many cases is the air conditioner and NOT the actual roof of the coach. If the Silverback is the camper that you want I would not hesitate to get it if I were you.
  • Ozlander wrote:
    Red-Rover wrote:
    The dealer says that the improved aerodynamics with a nose cap will make up the difference and I should not notice any difference.


    Was his lips moving???? :@


    X2
  • Red-Rover wrote:
    The dealer says that the improved aerodynamics with a nose cap will make up the difference and I should not notice any difference.


    Was his lips moving???? :@
  • You will most likely get better mileage. The square corners on older trailers really created drag. I went from a 9,500 pound 96 Terry to a 12k+ 2005 Cardinal and mileage improved. Cardinal has both front and rear caps. Not only do rear caps look much better they effect mileage also. I hate the "we quit working at this point" look of flat/sawed off rear trailers. Guest I am a Cap Snob!

    Chris