MPG Comparison Different Shapes
Afternoon, folks. I know this is not easy to answer, but I was hoping those who've towed a lot could shed some light. Is there any reason to think I would get any better fuel mileage towing an Ascape ...
Forum Discussion
Consider formula one car design. Also submarine design.
Submarines have rounded bulbous front ends. Originally submarines had pointy fronts but they were made to make the most speed surfaced, cutting the water surface. Water is a heavier medium but the same principles apply. Hence subs are now designed more for underwater flow and rounded, with rears having a long taper.
For the rear consider formula one race cars. They found that a lengthened and tapered rear smooths out the air flow for better speed (equating to better MPG).
BOTH concepts are used for Bonneville speed record racers after years of practical development. Rounded front ends and long tapered rears. Not practical for an RV, maybe the Oscar Mayer weinermobile ;). But MPG claims by those towing Airstreams and similar indicate rounded shapes work better even if the rear taper is minimal, it's still there.
Just my observations and opinion.
Submarines have rounded bulbous front ends. Originally submarines had pointy fronts but they were made to make the most speed surfaced, cutting the water surface. Water is a heavier medium but the same principles apply. Hence subs are now designed more for underwater flow and rounded, with rears having a long taper.
For the rear consider formula one race cars. They found that a lengthened and tapered rear smooths out the air flow for better speed (equating to better MPG).
BOTH concepts are used for Bonneville speed record racers after years of practical development. Rounded front ends and long tapered rears. Not practical for an RV, maybe the Oscar Mayer weinermobile ;). But MPG claims by those towing Airstreams and similar indicate rounded shapes work better even if the rear taper is minimal, it's still there.
Just my observations and opinion.
