Fiberglass vs. Aluminum mpg's

Robby9 wrote:
To answer the questions:

Catalina Deluxe 30qbs vs. Keystone Cougar 31SQB
Height and width appear the same to me. (same size tires too)
The front cap of the Cougar is different in that it encloses the propane tanks and the battery.
Wind, hills and speed were not a factor.

I think you nailed it- is this your new rig? It's actually a few inches taller than the Catalina, BUT that rounder, less broken surface up front is bound to reduce turbulence. I think that swoop up front that swallows the tanks is brilliant. The way the front side edges sweep down and away probably helps, too.

If any part of the design contributes to a fuel-use difference between these trailers, my money's on this front design rather than the materials.



The Catalina's (below) exposed tanks probably do create more turbulence than the above smooth lines.

I dont think it makes a bit of difference. Has to be other contributing factors. When I went to smooth sides there was no difference for me at all

To answer the questions:

Catalina Deluxe 30qbs vs. Keystone Cougar 31SQB
Height and width appear the same to me. (same size tires too)
The front cap of the Cougar is different in that it encloses the propane tanks and the battery.
Wind, hills and speed were not a factor.

Unless there is a big difference in the frontal area and shape of the front cap, I can't see how there would be much difference in mileage unless you were climbing a lot of hills and then the weight difference would be a factor. The length would have little influence.

What brand/models are the two TT's?

Do they have identical frontal areas (height x width), or is the new one narrower/shorter by any dimension? That's the biggest determinant for aerodynamics...weight/length/material are distant followers.

I don't believe it either and feel like it was more likely a tail wind. With a tail wind I cannot believe how easily the trailer goes down the road. Into a headwind and it feels like I am draggin an anchor. Interested to see how your long term average works out on the new one. I'm sure there are variables that could make one tow better than the other but I just don't believe corrugated vs smooth makes a 1 mpg difference.