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
I, like beemerphile1, have gone with a compromise. While he has an Aliner, I have a TrailManor.
When I tow in the mountains, I get 21.5 mpg (diesel engine) Without the trailer, I get about 28 mpg over the same routes. Interestingly, on the flat eastern plains, I get 18.5 mpg while towing. I guess I get more of a "recovery" going downhill than the loss in fuel economy going up the hills.
Trailer Life did a test with a vehicle identical to mine, but a full-height trailer. They did a mountain route that I tow on, and they got 14.5 mpg. So, the height of the trailer cost them 32% in terms of fuel economy. What this demonstrates is that the lower height of the trailer makes a huge difference in mpg.
So, at today's prices I would save about $1,000 on fuel for every 25,000 miles I tow my trailer, vs. towing a regular-height trailer. That's a lot of towing! Fortunately, my choice was not based on fuel economy, though I appreciate the savings.
When I tow in the mountains, I get 21.5 mpg (diesel engine) Without the trailer, I get about 28 mpg over the same routes. Interestingly, on the flat eastern plains, I get 18.5 mpg while towing. I guess I get more of a "recovery" going downhill than the loss in fuel economy going up the hills.
Trailer Life did a test with a vehicle identical to mine, but a full-height trailer. They did a mountain route that I tow on, and they got 14.5 mpg. So, the height of the trailer cost them 32% in terms of fuel economy. What this demonstrates is that the lower height of the trailer makes a huge difference in mpg.
So, at today's prices I would save about $1,000 on fuel for every 25,000 miles I tow my trailer, vs. towing a regular-height trailer. That's a lot of towing! Fortunately, my choice was not based on fuel economy, though I appreciate the savings.
