Aerodynamics Matter !!
Hello All. First post here... wanted to share some data on aerodynamics. I am designing an ultralight (under 100 lbs/ft) small travel trailer and wanted to find out the effect of shape on aerodyna...
Forum Discussion
Ron-C wrote:
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Another pet peeve is regarding the height of the unit. I find that some sit so high on the frame that they are sticking way above the TV. Not only do they look outright silly but that must move the center of gravity up considerably. Every square inch exposed above the TV increases frontal area and drag force. The big gap underneath probably doesn't help airflow either (pure speculation).
Ron,
My opinion is regarding the "high frames" now is that the market demands slide-out rooms ( I know I do ), and it's easier to make a slide out room with a "deck-over" frame design. It also allows for the slide-out room to be "flush floor", which is imperative in many floorplans. In the end, you wind up with a trailer that is higher off the ground.
As always, compromises. We trade away a potentially lower C-of-G, and potentially better aero, in order to get better live-ability when the trailer is stationary.
In my case, it was tradeoffs I was willing to accept.
