MySwag.org The Off-road Camper Trailer Forum
General => General Discussion => Topic started by: savanahkelpy on September 11, 2011, 05:14:03 PM
-
While a lot of commercail trailer manufacturers have trailers and tool boxes that look aeirodynamic in shape, how much does it realy matter when the trailer is moving through disturbed air behind a large lump of a vehicle? (s,cuse spelling).
I look at the huge tool box across the drawbar of my trailer, (came with the trailer) and think its a huge slab of surface area to be pulling through the wind, then i,ll look at it, another day and think that because it covers all the height, and 95% or so of the width of my trailer body, i think it offers heaps of protection to the rest of the trailer, re mud, stone protection.
Some days i look at it and think i could carry heaps of gear in it, then other days i,ll think its a space distraction from the internal space of the trailer itself, and will only encourage overloading. Altogether, somewhat confusing.
Anyone have any ideas to help settle my mind? ???
-
Are you towing your camper with your Landrover, they never go fast enough to worry about aerodynamics? >:D ;D
-
If the trailer is within the profile of your car I wouldn't imagine it would make that much difference, It is in disturbed air anyway. I noticed a difference in fuel consumption when I did the spring over on the jayco, But it really changed the profile of the trailer behind the car.
-
It sounds like you need a psycho-therapist, not a trailer designer!!!
-
Looking the towing vehicle most 4wd are not aero dynamic so I cannot see what the design of the tool box is really a concern. The bigger the better allows more storage as long as it's not too heavy on the tow ball weight. The other reason I see with a tool box angled is to allow stones to angle away from the camper.
Campers with stone guards take the concept of aero dynamics away as they are angled again for the stones that flick up are again pushed away from the camper.
Summing up I would not worry at all. ;D
Mark
-
The box on the front of our trailer is huge, best thing ever for storage, just have to watch the weight but there is no way I would change it for something smaller,
cheers Andy
-
Are you towing your camper with your Landrover, they never go fast enough to worry about aerodynamics? >:D ;D
well,,i,m going to say that this is the standard thoughts of people, who don,t know much about land rovers. With the Defender body shape and engine combination, you can throw a ton of weigh in the back, and the fuel economy is much the same as when its empty,, start to change the body profile by adding things like roof racks, and what fuel economy you have, has just flown out of the window. So ultimate top speed isn,t an important factor regarding fuel economy. With rovers, its the shape of the vehicle that determines a degree of aerodynamic effect.
:cheers: all
-
My front storgae box is the same width and shape as the draw bar on the sides are where the jerry cans are mounted. I have towed trailers with large storge boxes and the temptation the load them up is easy.
My box is also seem welded along its length.
(http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s159/utedriver/camper%20trailer%20mods/IMG_5699.jpg)
one of the best pics I have.
(http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s159/utedriver/camper%20trailer%20mods/IMG_1789.jpg)
-
I think the shaped boxes are more to stop the box coming into contact with the rear of the vehicle when turning etc, than for any aerodynamic benefit.
-
IMWO, anything you can do to help reduce drag and help fuel economy is good.
I had mine made that way, I think it looks neater and as said, if it may help, then all good
(http://www.gupatrol.com/trailer/toolbox/front_on.jpg)
The new one with original one inside it.
(http://www.gupatrol.com/trailer/toolbox/new_old.jpg)
Side on view
(http://www.gupatrol.com/trailer/toolbox/side_hat.jpg)
Having said that, not all are designed narrow fronted, I love this gullwing design myself.
(http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd234/cremo1/Trailer/gullwing.jpg)
-
Side on view
(http://www.gupatrol.com/trailer/toolbox/side_hat.jpg)
I knew I'd seen that camper before, and the hat reminded where it was; in the latest Harry Potter flick.
-
I knew I'd seen that camper before, and the hat reminded where it was; in the latest Harry Potter flick.
I never knew harry was camp... but that Hermione turned out quiet ... nice... :)
-
I was about to post this last night when Myswag went down. :'(
Laurie I am sure you have heard all the Landrover jokes before. ;D
But to the actual question, I have a big box on my trailer, it is very handy, although it is there for my outboard motor when I take it.
Since I have changed from the old camper to the new one, I have noticed a big difference on the road, not just the weight but also the wind doesn’t affect me now towing.
I am in the belief that if the camper is no higher or wider than necessary the shape will not have much affect at normal towing speeds.