Which RV have the best aerodynamics? A, B or C?

[bobvila]

Hello,

I'm planning to buy a new RV next year and I'm a newbie.

For the same height, wide, weight and lenght, which ones have the best aerodynamics? A, B or C?


Thanks,

[Mike_Up]

Jayco changed their profile on the Jay Flights

My 2008


My 2012

[Mike_Up]

I say not much difference at all for mileage, but interior space is definitely affected by a steep slope ceiling or a gradual slope ceiling.

[aftermath]

I agree, all three will be about the same. I have an Airstream and used to pull a 21 ft hybrid. I now tow a 26 ft that is 2000 pounds heavier. I get the same mileage now as I did before with the white brick.

The comments about "putting the air back together" are right on. I have towed this thing over 25K miles and averaged just over 12mpg. A couple of years ago I put a bike rack on the back of the trailer and now am getting just over 11mpg. I lost a mile per gallon because of the disruption to the air flow at the back.

I also agree with the poster who said this shouldn't be a big issue for anyone unless that is all they do is tow their trailer down the road. There are lots of other things to consider, like floor plans and such.

[Community Alumni]

Theoretically C would have the best aerodynamics, but the truth is you'll need a lab and the difference will only exist on paper. The most aerodynamic shape would closely resemble a double edged needle. You're gently separating the air over a longer length and gently allowing that air to return to its original state. This allows for a less turbulent airflow which means less drag. Trailers are no where near this shape. A conventional, v-nose, or rounded front cap is still a very large object being pulled through the air. Front caps are only a small part of the equation. The flat rear of the trailer has just as much impact as the front cap. The flat surface and sharp edges causes an instant void which air rushes in to fill. That rush of air creates drag. Airstreams does a better job since their caps are more rounded, but they're not the end all be all of efficiency. There's also 3 other areas on trailers that have impact that people forget about: the roof, undercarriage, and protrusions. Until we see some radical changes in the aerodynamic engineering of these trailers, they're all essentially bricks being pulled behind vehicles. It would be best to focus on floorplans and find what makes you happy.

Rockhillmanor mentioned air deflectors, but they aren't really that effective in the real world. The deflector has to be placed fairly close to the trailer and angled properly or the airflow will dip between gap the tow vehicle and trailer making it ineffective. In most cases it's not possible to get close enough due to the tongue length. If you were able to get the deflector dialed in perfectly, it would still only addresses one direction of airflow to the trailer. Air still enters the trailer gap from the sides and under the tow vehicle.

[APT]

They all have very close to the same frontal area, even Airstream. More importantly, they all have the same square back, which the Airstream is slightly better, thus the slightly better fuel economy owners report.

Budget 8mpg if pulling any of those with a gas engine. You'll be happier if you get 9mpg than if you budget for 10mpg and get 9mpg.

You are about to invest $15-25k for something new. If you tow weekends at 2500 miles per year, the fuel cost is difference between 11mpg that is unlikely for any of them vs. 8mpg is $300. There are far more important things to consider when choosing an RV for your uses.

[valhalla360]

Also, the tow vehicle makes a difference. A full size van would be different than a long bed PU with no cap on as the wind can drop back down and hit a larger portion of the trailer front.

As others have said, unless you are joining the carney circuit putting 50k miles per year on the rig, it's a pointless discussion from a financial perspective.

[beemerphile1]

None of the above.

A teardrop has the best aerodynamics but probably the least amenities.

It really doesn't matter unless you are towing 50,000 miles a year. Have you seen a semi tractor-trailer? If the aerodynamics could be improved, they would do it. A difference of 1 MPG makes a difference when you travel 50,000-60,000 miles a year. For the typical RVer aerodynamics aren't worth talking about.

Plus reduce your picture to the forum maximum width of 640 so we don't need side by side monitors to view one picture.

[2012Coleman]

Your best bet is to get the TT you want and forget about MPG.

[Escargot]

pianotuna wrote:
Hi,

Class C is the worst from an aerodynamic point of view.

How deep are your pockets?

He / she is asking opinions based on the three units posted, not which class RV. Probably should have numbered instead of using letter designations. Then, again, she/he did post in the Travel Trailers forum, so obviously...

[Escargot]

From the three choices above, I'd say the best aerodynamically designed one is the first, so, A.
BUT, the differences in the three units are negligible.

[rockhillmanor]

They did some pretty extensive research on all the different front ends on horse trailers and found the 'only' one that made a difference was the "V" nose. Which sadly the RV industry does not offer.

An air dam on the back of the TV would lift the air and prevent drag improve handling. Horse people use them a lot. They DO make a difference.

I am surprised that you don't see more RV'ers using them and/or see them readily advertised for RV's.

Here is one RV'ers experience adding an air deflector, pixs, specs, gas savings, drag etc. Pretty interesting.
http://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1057241-rooftop-air-deflector-towing-travel-trailer.html

[chr_]

A. Brick
B. Brick
C. Brick
D. Shiny, Expensive Brick.

It is what it is...

The comment about putting the air back after ripping it apart about sums it up. You never see a square tail section on an airplane.

[Francesca_Knowl]

Without exact dimensions, the question can't be answered.

Frontal AREA is the thing that matters, especially with such similar units.

[sch911]

Frontal are is about the same on all of them (including the Airstream) so they're all pretty much the same....

[Big_Katuna]

Doesn't matter much; its about frontal area and they are all rolling bill boards. Weight is more crucial and HP. More HP used equals more $$$.

Important question is
"Can you afford an RV?'

Fuel consumption is not the most expensive part of RVing.