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
The idea for the fairings underneath is to keep the air from the "dirty" aerodynamics of the undercarriage. A trailer with an enclosed underbelly is pretty darn clean, except for the axle area. And our axle area is a couple of tubes.
However, from what I understand, the more air that can kept on top of the vehicle, the better. And crosswind aero is also very important, as crosswinds DO affect mpg.
If I were to start with anything, it would be some type of rear fairing setup, similar to what the big rigs are running. At one point, I had grandiose plans of a rear boat tail/fairing setup that would also double as a "carport" for bicycle when camping.
I think something like that could be designed with some good lightweight materials, much like the ecomodder thread.
I bet one of the big rig boat tails could be adapted to a square backed TT pretty easily, as the heights are pretty similar. Then some skirting down the sides and such. Might net a couple miles per gallon. Payback would take a while, of course, but would be a fun experiment. And would likely be pretty ugly. But sure would be nice to pop it out and have some weather proof storage while camping.
However, from what I understand, the more air that can kept on top of the vehicle, the better. And crosswind aero is also very important, as crosswinds DO affect mpg.
If I were to start with anything, it would be some type of rear fairing setup, similar to what the big rigs are running. At one point, I had grandiose plans of a rear boat tail/fairing setup that would also double as a "carport" for bicycle when camping.
I think something like that could be designed with some good lightweight materials, much like the ecomodder thread.
I bet one of the big rig boat tails could be adapted to a square backed TT pretty easily, as the heights are pretty similar. Then some skirting down the sides and such. Might net a couple miles per gallon. Payback would take a while, of course, but would be a fun experiment. And would likely be pretty ugly. But sure would be nice to pop it out and have some weather proof storage while camping.
