Frontal Sq'

LVJJJ wrote:
You're all worried about the wrong end of the TT. If the TT is a flatback the vacuum created by them acutally tries to suck the TT backwards, so, as I did, install an air deflector to direct the air flow down the back of the TT in order to help it detach itself from the air stream, that's where the major drag is.

I've heard this...has anyone tried the airtabs? I think that's what there called. Was your deflector like the old station wagons used to have? Redirecting the air off the roof down to break up the vortex?

MFL wrote:


The OP could likely get by, using his Ranger, if towing shorter distances, at reduced speed. I think this is his plan, since he has the more capable truck for his long distance towing.

Jerry

Exactly, I think the farthest we've ever gone doing local or weekend stuff is 170 miles, and you don't need much stuff for a 3 or 4 day weekend. I would suspect that there will only be 200 or 300 pounds in it behind the Ranger. Plus I have a wedged bed topper, that might help bump the air a little higher before it hits the TT.

LVJJJ wrote:
You're all worried about the wrong end of the TT. If the TT is a flatback the vacuum created by them acutally tries to suck the TT backwards, so, as I did, install an air deflector to direct the air flow down the back of the TT in order to help it detach itself from the air stream, that's where the major drag is.

Some TT's like the Trail Lites and Cruisers are rounded down at the back top, and the bottom is angled in so air coming off of the smooth bottom is deflected up at an angle helping it break out of the air stream.

Airplanes are big in the front (although streamlined) and taper to a point for a reason, even though it seems like it would be better if the point was in front for no frontal air pressure.

My old Trail Lite was like that. However, I have noticed no difference in mpg or towing between it and the Skyline Dart, which is all right angles in the rear. But the front of the Dart is rounded and the Trail Lite was flat. Maybe a trade off between the two?

As MFL pointed out, my buddy knew his Dakota was not the ideal tow vehicle, but it was what he had and it was a limited tow. He really really liked the bigger TV. :)

Also as I mentioned, almost every modern TT is within a few inches of every other, they all have about the same roof bumps like vents and AC and they all have flat backs. Airstreams and some of the shell type TT's are better but I doubt that frontal area is the reason people buy them.

TrailManor and the old HiLo had the right approach but the majority of the buyers simply do not care enough about it to be a concern to the market.

While discussing frontal sq ft limitations, consider this: my 2006 Frontier had a listed limit of 60 sq ft. The current Frontier which is an identical truck now has a listed sq ft limit of 30 sq ft. What changed ?
J2807 standards.

A person might want to carefully research the standard, how it's written, and try to understand how and why the manufacturers apply the standard to the vehicles they sell.

You're all worried about the wrong end of the TT. If the TT is a flatback the vacuum created by them acutally tries to suck the TT backwards, so, as I did, install an air deflector to direct the air flow down the back of the TT in order to help it detach itself from the air stream, that's where the major drag is.

Some TT's like the Trail Lites and Cruisers are rounded down at the back top, and the bottom is angled in so air coming off of the smooth bottom is deflected up at an angle helping it break out of the air stream.

Airplanes are big in the front (although streamlined) and taper to a point for a reason, even though it seems like it would be better if the point was in front for no frontal air pressure.

I hauled 6,000 pounds of cast iron manhole covers on a flat bed utility trailer for about a thousand mile. Towed great. Same truck hitched to my 5,000 pound travel trailer, not nearly as great in terms of performance or economy. Frontal Area does matter. That is why it is in the towing guides. It may be in small print, but it is there for a reason.

TomG2 wrote:

rbpru wrote:
...snip......
Frontal area is like the type of roof material, interesting to know but very low on the list of reasons to buy.

Since wind resistance is a major factor in the effort involved in towing, it is worth noting. Like many such things, for those that only tow a few miles, it really doesn't matter much. For long distance travelers, it will increase the amount of work the tow vehicle must perform. If one is willing to drive slowly enough, they can reduce this effect.

The OP could likely get by, using his Ranger, if towing shorter distances, at reduced speed. I think this is his plan, since he has the more capable truck for his long distance towing. I've towed open snowmobile trailers, years ago, with a Ranger STX (lower geared) 4.0 V6, my wifes truck. It did okay, for short distances at reduced speed, but would not have worked for my 8.5' wide bodied enclosed snowmobile trailer, even at 55 mph, due to the large frontal sq ft.

Jerry

rbpru wrote:
...snip......
Frontal area is like the type of roof material, interesting to know but very low on the list of reasons to buy.

Since wind resistance is a major factor in the effort involved in towing, it is worth noting. Like many such things, for those that only tow a few miles, it really doesn't matter much. For long distance travelers, it will increase the amount of work the tow vehicle must perform. If one is willing to drive slowly enough, they can reduce this effect.

One can debate the use of any TV and TT combination. But the fact remains folks use what they like and feel comfortable with or can afford.

I had a buddy who towed a 28 ft. TT with Dakota pick up. Two hundred miles twice a year for a two week stay. It took him two years to get the RAM pickup he wanted. I believe frontal area was not much of a concern at the time.

My F-150 recommends 60 sq.ft. for towing, my TT is 8 feet wide and about 8 ft tall. I never really measured it because it was like every other TT on the lot and it had the floor plan and weight I want.

Frontal area is like the type of roof material, interesting to know but very low on the list of reasons to buy.