8iron
Canada
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Joined: 06/10/2007
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It could help but a lot of the drag effect comes from the rear of the trailer. The airflow is cut off on the square back end and the resulting turbulance holds the trailer back.
There are a lot of snake oil salesmen selling stuff that "dramatically" improves gas milage but I love to hear the grass roots ideas like the OP asked about. Cost of gas is making us all a little more creative.
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shenandoahvalley
Shenandoah Valley, Virginia
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Joined: 02/09/2007
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I agree with 8iron, there has to be a tremendous amount of drag created by the flat back on TTs; mine included. There are a lot of gimmicks out there but I don't think many of them are worth the cost.
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profdant139
Southern California
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Well, if the flat back is part of the problem, how about a "tail cone" fairing?? I have looked at those airtab things but I have my doubts.
And several folks are right about the Thule box on top of my SUV -- it does not help my mpg! But we have to have it -- the trailer is very small, and there are lots of bulky things (camp chairs, camp stove, and so forth) that fit much better in the overhead box.
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Bumpyroad
Virginia
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Joined: 12/01/2005
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profdant139 wrote:Well, if the flat back is part of the problem, how about a "tail cone" fairing?? I have looked at those airtab things but I have my doubts.
And several folks are right about the Thule box on top of my SUV -- it does not help my mpg! But we have to have it -- the trailer is very small, and there are lots of bulky things (camp chairs, camp stove, and so forth) that fit much better in the overhead box.
they used to sell wing thingys that mounted on the back edge of station wagons that curved downward and forced air into that void breaking the vacuum. don't know why that wouldn't work for trailers.
bumpy
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sushidog
Abita Springs, LA
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Joined: 08/02/2007
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I thought of designing an inflatable tail cone made out of reinforced swimming pool type vinyl. One size would fit a huge number of TT's too. Air pressure inside would maintain it's rigidity, while still allowing it to "give" slightly, conforming to the force of the low pressure area behind the trailer. It would be inexpensive to build, light-weight and easily deflatable for storage. The only problem I see is mounting the tail lights/directional signals and license plate on it, as they would be obscured.
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profdant139
Southern California
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Thanks to the tip from Larry, I contacted the nosecone.com folks -- sure enough, there is a product for trailers:
Nose Cone website
It is not cheap -- over $600 plus more than $100 for installation -- but if their mpg claims are true, this could pay for itself, plus it supposedly makes the trailer more stable. Here is what one of their people told me:
"The data we have comes from 1) wind tunnel analysis, Nose Cone is scientifically proven to reduce drag 20% on trailers, 2) user reports – Towing power is different for everybody, e.g. gas or diesel, gearing, hp, exhaust, etc. etc. It’s impossible to know the effect on every possible configuration. However, user reports are very consistent. Gas powered users generally increase 2-3 miles per gallon; diesel power averages 1 to 2 miles per gallon.
Good aerodynamics means more than just better mileage. It means less filling-up during your trip. Less strain on your engine (especially gas power). Easier to climb hills and pass other vehicles.
Users say it best….”no more white knuckle driving”. Nose Cone greatly improves stability and thereby safety. It’s hard to put a value on all those benefits, but all things considered, you’re getting a lot for your money!"
I have no way to know if this is true -- if there are any users out there who can chime in, I would sure appreciate it! These things must be worthwhile in commercial trailering -- I see them all the time. The difference, of course, is that commercial haulers drive every day. I do a lot of recreational trailering, and I tow maybe 50 days a year. So the initial cost would take a long time to recover. But I am keeping an open mind!!
Moderator edit to fix broken link.
* This post was
edited 08/21/08 09:44am by an administrator/moderator *
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Bumpyroad
Virginia
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profdant139 wrote:Thanks to the tip from Larry, I contacted the nosecone.com folks -- sure enough, there is a product for trailers:
Nose Cone website
It is not cheap -- over $600 plus more than $100 for installation -- but if their mpg claims are true, this could pay for itself, plus it supposedly makes the trailer more stable. Here is what one of their people told me:
"The data we have comes from 1) wind tunnel analysis, Nose Cone is scientifically proven to reduce drag 20% on trailers, 2) user reports – Towing power is different for everybody, e.g. gas or diesel, gearing, hp, exhaust, etc. etc. It’s impossible to know the effect on every possible configuration. However, user reports are very consistent. Gas powered users generally increase 2-3 miles per gallon; diesel power averages 1 to 2 miles per gallon.
Good aerodynamics means more than just better mileage. It means less filling-up during your trip. Less strain on your engine (especially gas power). Easier to climb hills and pass other vehicles.
Users say it best….”no more white knuckle driving”. Nose Cone greatly improves stability and thereby safety. It’s hard to put a value on all those benefits, but all things considered, you’re getting a lot for your money!"
I have no way to know if this is true -- if there are any users out there who can chime in, I would sure appreciate it! These things must be worthwhile in commercial trailering -- I see them all the time. The difference, of course, is that commercial haulers drive every day. I do a lot of recreational trailering, and I tow maybe 50 days a year. So the initial cost would take a long time to recover. But I am keeping an open mind!!
it would also be a selling point when you go to resell yours.
bumpy
Moderator edit to fix broken link.
* This post was
edited 08/21/08 09:43am by an administrator/moderator *
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Partsman Ed
Silverton Oregon
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Joined: 06/18/2007
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I've got a 22ft Wells Cargo Auto Hauler with the Nose Cone option on it and I wouldn't own another trailer w/o a nose cone. They seem to handle better on the road and it breaks up the "design" of the trailer not making it look so "box like".
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