Frontal area for travel trailers
I have a 2016 Nissan Frontier 4 cyl 2WD and want to tow a Jayco that weighs 2300 # with a frontal area of 63 square ft. Any ideas about the feasibility of this? The owner's manual states a limit of 30...
Forum Discussion
SOmething to think about...
At 60 mph, adding 3 sq ft of frontal area, needs the same HP increase as adding 1000 lbs of weight driving on a level ground. Adding 30 sq ft, is the same additional HP as around 10000 lbs of weight!
Weight is not the ONLY enemy you have for HP needs.
I've gotten better MPG's pulling an equipment trailer at 18K gcw than I did pulling my TT at 15K lbs. TT had 90sqft total frontal area, ET was less than 60 sq ft. The TT needed the same HP at 60 mph as a 25K rig with 60 sq ft. Hills the additional HP per 1 percent grade was more for the heavier rig, as that is HP that is needed. Wieght in this case is more important number to know for final HP needed to go up said grade.
Marty
At 60 mph, adding 3 sq ft of frontal area, needs the same HP increase as adding 1000 lbs of weight driving on a level ground. Adding 30 sq ft, is the same additional HP as around 10000 lbs of weight!
Weight is not the ONLY enemy you have for HP needs.
I've gotten better MPG's pulling an equipment trailer at 18K gcw than I did pulling my TT at 15K lbs. TT had 90sqft total frontal area, ET was less than 60 sq ft. The TT needed the same HP at 60 mph as a 25K rig with 60 sq ft. Hills the additional HP per 1 percent grade was more for the heavier rig, as that is HP that is needed. Wieght in this case is more important number to know for final HP needed to go up said grade.
Marty
