You trailer haulers out there....

Highflier
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Highflier 12/1/2018 10:55pm
12/1/2018 10:55pm
Highflier wrote:
I debated this a bunch recently, have an 8.5'x20' v nose thats great for UTV's + bikes but is just too big for bikes only. I...
I debated this a bunch recently, have an 8.5'x20' v nose thats great for UTV's + bikes but is just too big for bikes only.
I finally went with a 7X14 v nose.
Main reason on the 7' is I wanted to pull it with a Yukon Denali sometimes and not have to always use my F250.
The narrower width makes it a little easier to see around in traffic and overall its just easy to pull for the Yukon.
Thought I'd miss the extra space but it hasn't bothered me yet.
I'm mostly hauling just myself with CR250 and a CRF450.
I have aluminum cabinets in the nose.
I ran e track down the drivers side wall from front to back, about 16" up from the floor.
Cant remember offhand exactly how high, but its located where the front tire lands on it, or against it.
Basically I angle the bikes in at a 45 degree and tie them down to the e track on the wall.
I can fit 4 bikes this way and still walk in the trailer from the side door to the back.
I may switch to bike shoes, but I really like the angled tie down arrangement so far

I'll attach a pic to give the basic idea
pbody wrote:
So do you have a chock that locks into the e-track to keep the front wheel from kicking out?
Yes, I bought a couple of etrack 2x4 holders from Northern Tool I've been using so far.

I got this idea from a local shop that brings a 30' gooseneck trailer to the races, they angled the bikes like this and could haul A LOT of bikes and still have one side of the trailer open.
1
sumdood
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sumdood 12/2/2018 12:11am
12/2/2018 12:11am
7 x 10 single axle with brakes and 50 gallon water tank under the floor. Has an rv water pump feeding a hose bib.
It's a little tight with 3 full size bikes, gear, cooler, firewood, tools spares, chairs ez up etc etc. But it's so easy to tow I don't care. Any gas station no problem, most parking lots are stress free for pulling a trailer, I can do a full lock turn and it misses the camper by a few inches, it's small but the maneuverability makes up it.








4
Digger29
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Digger29 12/2/2018 11:49am
12/2/2018 11:49am Edited Date/Time 12/3/2018 7:00am
Digger29 wrote:
I had a 7X16 steel trailer but wanted a car trailer that my wife's jeep would fit in so I bought an aluminum 8.5X20 v-nose which...
I had a 7X16 steel trailer but wanted a car trailer that my wife's jeep would fit in so I bought an aluminum 8.5X20 v-nose which seems huge empty but throw a few bikes in it and some extras for weekend race and that's when you really appreciate the extra size/room. I went a foot higher to 7' and heavier axles (for when the Jeep is in it) and oversized 16' tires, escape door (for Jeep) and I had the side access door made at 4' instead of the usual 32". I've a got 40 gal water tank up front under the cabinets, a compressor and 6 LED 4' lights. I had a buddy put a rubber floor in it and on the ramp door. The best part is that it's lighter than my smaller steel 16'er was and that my Raptor pulls it loaded to the teeth like it's not there.



crowe176 wrote:
Is that a turbo or v8 raptor? Kind of hard to tell. I have a 13, and havn't towed with it yet.. Was planning a 6x12...
Is that a turbo or v8 raptor? Kind of hard to tell. I have a 13, and havn't towed with it yet.. Was planning a 6x12, as that's all I need, but if it tows something your size, I might step up a little bigger lol.
Yes, it's 17 twin turbo which will kill my modified 12 6.2 V8 Raptor and while the 12 pulled that very same trailer fine the 17 really pulls it effortlessly. The 12 was 434hp/450tq stock and tuned it had maybe 450hp/485tq and my 17 tuned has 550hp/615tq. It flat out hauls. People are very impressed when they're in it with the trailer and shocked when they're in it without the trailer. It's car fast. If I keep it under 75 mph I get right around 10.5 MPG. 70 mph is the happy number for optimal gas mileage.
1
Digger29
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Digger29 12/2/2018 11:52am
12/2/2018 11:52am Edited Date/Time 12/2/2018 12:13pm
Highflier wrote:
[img]https://p.vitalmx.com/photos/forums/2018/11/30/306643/s1200_C7258756_9953_4377_A01B_E7A2688AFD48.jpg[/img]

feelit2morrow wrote:
Wow! Where did you get those cabinets? Also flooring?
Highflier wrote:
The cabinets were from the trailer mfg, it was an option. Same on the flooring. The flooring is rubber diamond plate. I put the same flooring...
The cabinets were from the trailer mfg, it was an option.
Same on the flooring.

The flooring is rubber diamond plate.
I put the same flooring in my 8x20 trailer myself.
Took a weekend to do the 8x20 floor and aluminum trim, but worth it.
Here is where I bought the floor material https://www.rubberflooringinc.com/garage/nitro-rolls.html

Great job on the trailer. I want to do the aluminum trim on my ramp door like you did. Where did you get it because the stuff at Home Depot seemed way to thick so I didn't use it.

The Shop

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endurox
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endurox 12/2/2018 12:06pm
12/2/2018 12:06pm
5000$ BOX VAN
cdncombatmedic 12/2/2018 5:35pm
12/2/2018 5:35pm
endurox wrote:
5000$ BOX VAN
Nope,does it make any sense. You have to pay insurance, licence fees, maintenance on another vehicle. What are you getting for 5k anyways. Sounds like a potential money pit.
1
Pirate421
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Pirate421 12/2/2018 6:35pm
12/2/2018 6:35pm
You can get a lot of trailer for 5k
Falcon
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Falcon 12/2/2018 7:55pm
12/2/2018 7:55pm
Nice, clean rig, Digger. I like it.
MxKyle (MD)
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MxKyle (MD) 12/3/2018 10:14am
12/3/2018 10:14am Edited Date/Time 12/3/2018 10:16am
Finally a thread where I can get the input of my fellow enclosed MX trailer haulers. I have had a 6x12 v-nose for a few years and I can remember taking that first trip and finding out I could barely get 10 mpg on the highway at 70. I bought a topper thinking it would help but if it did it wasn’t more than a couple of percent which is nothing. So now I recently bought a new F150 with the 3.5 turbo and the cool digital instruments are a constant reminder that I was still only getting 10 mpg.

That was last month. Long story short is that as a senior mechanical engineer trained in using advanced flow analysis software I started trying to find a way to lower the drag on my rig. For a year in my free time I fiddled around with different air foils and deflectors and couldn’t find more than a 5% gain which wasn’t worth the effort. Then I had a ‘eureka’ moment and modeled and analyzed a totally different style of airfoil. The software told me I had reduced the system drag considerably so I built the first prototype to test. My pickup was relieved to tell me that I was now getting 16.6 mpg at 70 mph. Over a 60% increase in mileage! I took the rig on a 1300 mile trip and saved over $140 in fuel on that one trip. Total win! I am now in the process of starting a patent search.

So now for your input. How much would you pay for an add-on system that would guarantee a huge increase in your pulling mileage? I am hoping to sell the patent and a little market research will go a long way when I start asking for money.

Start by deciding how many highway miles you drive and how much you would be saving each year if you got 5 or 6 mpg increase. At some point if you don’t actually drive far the cost of the airfoil would be more than you could save. The material and labor cost of my design would be in the neighborhood of $250 each if mass marketed. By the time you add overhead and shipping it’s a minimum of $500 to bring it to market before showing any real profit.

So bottom line is would you stand in line to pay $600 for an immediately noticeable decrease in the pain you feel at the pump when pulling your toys?

__KT__

PS.. I appreciate the input.
MelonFan123
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MelonFan123 12/3/2018 10:24am
12/3/2018 10:24am
Hmmm...60% you say? You have my attention. I understand your need for secrecy so your idea remains yours, but hopefully you can answers some questions:

Is it something you add to the truck? or the trailer itself?
Is it permanent, or can it be taken off/on each time you tow? If so how easy would that be?
Is this for use only on smaller cargo trailers like you 6x12, or can it be used for larger applications?

I have a 27' travel trailer that i tow behind a Tundra and the MPG is horrendous. Something I can add on my truck or trailer with minimal time & effort is VERY appealing to me, but depending on looks/design i would hesitate to add something permanent on my truck. Also, I have enough crap to load and prep when going on trips so ease and time dealing with whatever your invention is, is something of high importance to me.

Curious to hear more. Hope this feedback helps!
1
kNewc
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kNewc 12/3/2018 10:36am
12/3/2018 10:36am
MelonFan123 wrote:
Hmmm...60% you say? You have my attention. I understand your need for secrecy so your idea remains yours, but hopefully you can answers some questions: Is...
Hmmm...60% you say? You have my attention. I understand your need for secrecy so your idea remains yours, but hopefully you can answers some questions:

Is it something you add to the truck? or the trailer itself?
Is it permanent, or can it be taken off/on each time you tow? If so how easy would that be?
Is this for use only on smaller cargo trailers like you 6x12, or can it be used for larger applications?

I have a 27' travel trailer that i tow behind a Tundra and the MPG is horrendous. Something I can add on my truck or trailer with minimal time & effort is VERY appealing to me, but depending on looks/design i would hesitate to add something permanent on my truck. Also, I have enough crap to load and prep when going on trips so ease and time dealing with whatever your invention is, is something of high importance to me.

Curious to hear more. Hope this feedback helps!
Cover the wheel wells if it has them, add a nose cone. You'll get way better gas mileage for sure. The trucking industry has been trying to find ways to make tractor trailers get better millage since it became a business.
MxKyle (MD)
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MxKyle (MD) 12/3/2018 10:40am
12/3/2018 10:40am
MelonFan123 wrote:
Hmmm...60% you say? You have my attention. I understand your need for secrecy so your idea remains yours, but hopefully you can answers some questions: Is...
Hmmm...60% you say? You have my attention. I understand your need for secrecy so your idea remains yours, but hopefully you can answers some questions:

Is it something you add to the truck? or the trailer itself?
Is it permanent, or can it be taken off/on each time you tow? If so how easy would that be?
Is this for use only on smaller cargo trailers like you 6x12, or can it be used for larger applications?

I have a 27' travel trailer that i tow behind a Tundra and the MPG is horrendous. Something I can add on my truck or trailer with minimal time & effort is VERY appealing to me, but depending on looks/design i would hesitate to add something permanent on my truck. Also, I have enough crap to load and prep when going on trips so ease and time dealing with whatever your invention is, is something of high importance to me.

Curious to hear more. Hope this feedback helps!
This airfoil is so simple and copy-able that I have removed it and am afraid to use it until the patent goes through. But I will answer a couple of your questions.

It is held in place with four small bolts on the vehicle and takes less than five minutes for one person to install or remove.

I did not run an analysis on the travel trailers. Mostly because I don't have one and secondly because the front profile of the tall ones are all different. My airfoil would have to be tailored to be optimized for such a tall trailer but I am sure it would help some if not as drastic an amount as the use it was designed for.

__KT__
Tracktor
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Tracktor 12/3/2018 10:45am
12/3/2018 10:45am
I'd pay $600 all day long if it actually worked.

I started with a 6x12 single axle when it was me and one boy racing. When the second started it got cramped and went to a 16x8. That was my favorite. I only sold it because a buddy had a 8.5x20 that he had started converting to a toyhauler. It's one of the higher heavy duty beavertail designed car trailers and even though my Excursion diesel 6.0 pulls it pretty effortlessly it's a pretty big girl. The toyhauler part isn't really working like I wanted. Fine for an overnight but for a weekend I'd prefer a motorhome. So I am getting it ready to sell along with truck camper and going back to a 16x8. My 16x8 towed better than my 6x12. I really prefer the wider trailer over narrower. I am usually hauling a minimum of 5 bikes plus bring a full workshop with me. I stack them in sideways altering sides on each bike.........
1
captmoto
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captmoto 12/3/2018 10:47am
12/3/2018 10:47am
MelonFan123 wrote:
Hmmm...60% you say? You have my attention. I understand your need for secrecy so your idea remains yours, but hopefully you can answers some questions: Is...
Hmmm...60% you say? You have my attention. I understand your need for secrecy so your idea remains yours, but hopefully you can answers some questions:

Is it something you add to the truck? or the trailer itself?
Is it permanent, or can it be taken off/on each time you tow? If so how easy would that be?
Is this for use only on smaller cargo trailers like you 6x12, or can it be used for larger applications?

I have a 27' travel trailer that i tow behind a Tundra and the MPG is horrendous. Something I can add on my truck or trailer with minimal time & effort is VERY appealing to me, but depending on looks/design i would hesitate to add something permanent on my truck. Also, I have enough crap to load and prep when going on trips so ease and time dealing with whatever your invention is, is something of high importance to me.

Curious to hear more. Hope this feedback helps!
Wow, 27' is huge for a Tundra. Are your tires rated for that weight? I have heard the Tundras are hell on fuel economy. I use an old F250 with a V10. If I could get on a perfectly level road I could probably pull 10 mpg. My best was 11.6 going downhill. Literally. From Williams, AZ to the California border. Pulling into the eastern Sierra is around 7.5.
piscokid
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piscokid 12/3/2018 10:53am
12/3/2018 10:53am
sumdood wrote:
7 x 10 single axle with brakes and 50 gallon water tank under the floor. Has an rv water pump feeding a hose bib. It's a...
7 x 10 single axle with brakes and 50 gallon water tank under the floor. Has an rv water pump feeding a hose bib.
It's a little tight with 3 full size bikes, gear, cooler, firewood, tools spares, chairs ez up etc etc. But it's so easy to tow I don't care. Any gas station no problem, most parking lots are stress free for pulling a trailer, I can do a full lock turn and it misses the camper by a few inches, it's small but the maneuverability makes up it.








How did you put 50 gallons under the floor? That would be awesome....
captmoto
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captmoto 12/3/2018 10:59am
12/3/2018 10:59am
MxKyle (MD) wrote:
This airfoil is so simple and copy-able that I have removed it and am afraid to use it until the patent goes through. But I will...
This airfoil is so simple and copy-able that I have removed it and am afraid to use it until the patent goes through. But I will answer a couple of your questions.

It is held in place with four small bolts on the vehicle and takes less than five minutes for one person to install or remove.

I did not run an analysis on the travel trailers. Mostly because I don't have one and secondly because the front profile of the tall ones are all different. My airfoil would have to be tailored to be optimized for such a tall trailer but I am sure it would help some if not as drastic an amount as the use it was designed for.

__KT__
The fuel economy for my truck is not really much different from my 6 x 12 to my 23' Toyhauler. Hills and starts are easier but overall mileage is not too different.

FWIW, have you checked the speed rating of your tires? Many of the 15" "D" load range tires for small trailers are rated at 65 mph max.
MelonFan123
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MelonFan123 12/3/2018 11:07am
12/3/2018 11:07am
captmoto wrote:
Wow, 27' is huge for a Tundra. Are your tires rated for that weight? I have heard the Tundras are hell on fuel economy. I use...
Wow, 27' is huge for a Tundra. Are your tires rated for that weight? I have heard the Tundras are hell on fuel economy. I use an old F250 with a V10. If I could get on a perfectly level road I could probably pull 10 mpg. My best was 11.6 going downhill. Literally. From Williams, AZ to the California border. Pulling into the eastern Sierra is around 7.5.
Yeah I upgraded the tires, the trailer itself is just about 1k lbs under my max rating of 10k, and tongue weight is right at max rating when fully loaded with stuff in the bed, tanks full, etc.

I have seen guys towing 31' plus with Tundras, as well as 5th wheels. The WDH i bought did wonders, the Tundra handles my trailer fine.

The MPG i knew going in and I bought the Tundra for the long term durability that Toyotas are known for since I plan on keeping the truck a long time. My biggest gripe when towing is the small gas tank - 24 gallons and bad MPG equals lots of stops on longer trips! My truck is a 2015 and starting in 2016 they now offer a larger 36 gallon tank Pinch
MelonFan123
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MelonFan123 12/3/2018 11:12am
12/3/2018 11:12am
MxKyle (MD) wrote:
This airfoil is so simple and copy-able that I have removed it and am afraid to use it until the patent goes through. But I will...
This airfoil is so simple and copy-able that I have removed it and am afraid to use it until the patent goes through. But I will answer a couple of your questions.

It is held in place with four small bolts on the vehicle and takes less than five minutes for one person to install or remove.

I did not run an analysis on the travel trailers. Mostly because I don't have one and secondly because the front profile of the tall ones are all different. My airfoil would have to be tailored to be optimized for such a tall trailer but I am sure it would help some if not as drastic an amount as the use it was designed for.

__KT__
KT

Awesome, thanks for the input!

IMO if you can get some data or testing on travel trailers i think it would help if you decide to pursue things further. The market for potential people using your product is probably larger in the travel trailer space vs those towing a smaller cargo trailer.

Pit Row

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MxKyle (MD)
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MxKyle (MD) 12/4/2018 1:07pm
12/4/2018 1:07pm
MelonFan123 wrote:
KT Awesome, thanks for the input! IMO if you can get some data or testing on travel trailers i think it would help if you decide...
KT

Awesome, thanks for the input!

IMO if you can get some data or testing on travel trailers i think it would help if you decide to pursue things further. The market for potential people using your product is probably larger in the travel trailer space vs those towing a smaller cargo trailer.
Ok, I guess I get started on travel trailers. Just for fun.


2
theycallmeebryan 12/4/2018 1:31pm
12/4/2018 1:31pm
Cleaning up how the air leaves the rear of the trailer will net the most decrease in aerodynamic drag. Thats what the STEMCO systems for 18 wheelers aim to do. The cleaner (more laminar) the air flows off the back of the trailer, the more aerodynamic it will be. There is very very little to be gained at the front of the vehicle.

1
sumdood
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sumdood 12/4/2018 1:42pm
12/4/2018 1:42pm
sumdood wrote:
7 x 10 single axle with brakes and 50 gallon water tank under the floor. Has an rv water pump feeding a hose bib. It's a...
7 x 10 single axle with brakes and 50 gallon water tank under the floor. Has an rv water pump feeding a hose bib.
It's a little tight with 3 full size bikes, gear, cooler, firewood, tools spares, chairs ez up etc etc. But it's so easy to tow I don't care. Any gas station no problem, most parking lots are stress free for pulling a trailer, I can do a full lock turn and it misses the camper by a few inches, it's small but the maneuverability makes up it.








piscokid wrote:
How did you put 50 gallons under the floor? That would be awesome....
I couldn't find what I wanted so I ordered one custom made. It was one of the options.
https://www.carsontrailer.com/subs/trailers/enclosed-cargo/options.html

sumdood
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sumdood 12/4/2018 1:48pm
12/4/2018 1:48pm
It’s a flat tank with a pump that feeds a hose bib.
1
crowe176
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crowe176 12/4/2018 2:11pm
12/4/2018 2:11pm Edited Date/Time 12/4/2018 2:12pm
Digger29 wrote:
I had a 7X16 steel trailer but wanted a car trailer that my wife's jeep would fit in so I bought an aluminum 8.5X20 v-nose which...
I had a 7X16 steel trailer but wanted a car trailer that my wife's jeep would fit in so I bought an aluminum 8.5X20 v-nose which seems huge empty but throw a few bikes in it and some extras for weekend race and that's when you really appreciate the extra size/room. I went a foot higher to 7' and heavier axles (for when the Jeep is in it) and oversized 16' tires, escape door (for Jeep) and I had the side access door made at 4' instead of the usual 32". I've a got 40 gal water tank up front under the cabinets, a compressor and 6 LED 4' lights. I had a buddy put a rubber floor in it and on the ramp door. The best part is that it's lighter than my smaller steel 16'er was and that my Raptor pulls it loaded to the teeth like it's not there.



crowe176 wrote:
Is that a turbo or v8 raptor? Kind of hard to tell. I have a 13, and havn't towed with it yet.. Was planning a 6x12...
Is that a turbo or v8 raptor? Kind of hard to tell. I have a 13, and havn't towed with it yet.. Was planning a 6x12, as that's all I need, but if it tows something your size, I might step up a little bigger lol.
Digger29 wrote:
Yes, it's 17 twin turbo which will kill my modified 12 6.2 V8 Raptor and while the 12 pulled that very same trailer fine the 17...
Yes, it's 17 twin turbo which will kill my modified 12 6.2 V8 Raptor and while the 12 pulled that very same trailer fine the 17 really pulls it effortlessly. The 12 was 434hp/450tq stock and tuned it had maybe 450hp/485tq and my 17 tuned has 550hp/615tq. It flat out hauls. People are very impressed when they're in it with the trailer and shocked when they're in it without the trailer. It's car fast. If I keep it under 75 mph I get right around 10.5 MPG. 70 mph is the happy number for optimal gas mileage.
Nice! Yes, I wish I could afford a 17. In a couple years hopefully.. I come from big turbo Audi's, so unlike a lot of Raptor V8>V6 guys, I know the unlimited potential of a twin turbo vehicle. I almost bought a regular F150 just to get the 3.5, but after driving my 13, I couldn't pass it up.. But, the idea of an aluminum twin turbo truck, so glad Ford went this route with the Raptor. Are you running any cooling like an Intercooler or Meth, or are you getting that much power with just a tune? Nice rig BTW!
beandip
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beandip 12/4/2018 2:30pm
12/4/2018 2:30pm
MelonFan123 wrote:
Hmmm...60% you say? You have my attention. I understand your need for secrecy so your idea remains yours, but hopefully you can answers some questions: Is...
Hmmm...60% you say? You have my attention. I understand your need for secrecy so your idea remains yours, but hopefully you can answers some questions:

Is it something you add to the truck? or the trailer itself?
Is it permanent, or can it be taken off/on each time you tow? If so how easy would that be?
Is this for use only on smaller cargo trailers like you 6x12, or can it be used for larger applications?

I have a 27' travel trailer that i tow behind a Tundra and the MPG is horrendous. Something I can add on my truck or trailer with minimal time & effort is VERY appealing to me, but depending on looks/design i would hesitate to add something permanent on my truck. Also, I have enough crap to load and prep when going on trips so ease and time dealing with whatever your invention is, is something of high importance to me.

Curious to hear more. Hope this feedback helps!
MxKyle (MD) wrote:
This airfoil is so simple and copy-able that I have removed it and am afraid to use it until the patent goes through. But I will...
This airfoil is so simple and copy-able that I have removed it and am afraid to use it until the patent goes through. But I will answer a couple of your questions.

It is held in place with four small bolts on the vehicle and takes less than five minutes for one person to install or remove.

I did not run an analysis on the travel trailers. Mostly because I don't have one and secondly because the front profile of the tall ones are all different. My airfoil would have to be tailored to be optimized for such a tall trailer but I am sure it would help some if not as drastic an amount as the use it was designed for.

__KT__
I live in the middle of flat nowhere and pull an enclosed trailer on the highway with my pickup for a living. This would put a lot of money back into my pocket
racerx217
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racerx217 12/4/2018 2:31pm
12/4/2018 2:31pm
MelonFan123 wrote:
Hmmm...60% you say? You have my attention. I understand your need for secrecy so your idea remains yours, but hopefully you can answers some questions: Is...
Hmmm...60% you say? You have my attention. I understand your need for secrecy so your idea remains yours, but hopefully you can answers some questions:

Is it something you add to the truck? or the trailer itself?
Is it permanent, or can it be taken off/on each time you tow? If so how easy would that be?
Is this for use only on smaller cargo trailers like you 6x12, or can it be used for larger applications?

I have a 27' travel trailer that i tow behind a Tundra and the MPG is horrendous. Something I can add on my truck or trailer with minimal time & effort is VERY appealing to me, but depending on looks/design i would hesitate to add something permanent on my truck. Also, I have enough crap to load and prep when going on trips so ease and time dealing with whatever your invention is, is something of high importance to me.

Curious to hear more. Hope this feedback helps!
captmoto wrote:
Wow, 27' is huge for a Tundra. Are your tires rated for that weight? I have heard the Tundras are hell on fuel economy. I use...
Wow, 27' is huge for a Tundra. Are your tires rated for that weight? I have heard the Tundras are hell on fuel economy. I use an old F250 with a V10. If I could get on a perfectly level road I could probably pull 10 mpg. My best was 11.6 going downhill. Literally. From Williams, AZ to the California border. Pulling into the eastern Sierra is around 7.5.
lol I use to pull a 34 ft with a 1500 silverado, got around 9mpg. I dont think it has all that much to do with how much it weighs after 5k lbs, its more of like pulling a sail. FYI comparing my 16 silverado to my 18 Tundra, the Tundra will be able to alot more than 34 ft if you wanted too, i am sure mileage would suffer though, it likes the fuel.
MxKyle (MD)
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MxKyle (MD) 12/5/2018 4:07am
12/5/2018 4:07am
theycallmeebryan wrote:
Cleaning up how the air leaves the rear of the trailer will net the most decrease in aerodynamic drag. Thats what the STEMCO systems for 18...
Cleaning up how the air leaves the rear of the trailer will net the most decrease in aerodynamic drag. Thats what the STEMCO systems for 18 wheelers aim to do. The cleaner (more laminar) the air flows off the back of the trailer, the more aerodynamic it will be. There is very very little to be gained at the front of the vehicle.

Oh, you got a groan out of me with this. I chased my tail for six months trying to clean up the drag when STEMCO had the answer written in bold letters on their web page. "SAE Certified to deliver 5.54% fuel efficiency gains at 65 mph based on SAE Type II testing VALIDATED by the U.S. EPA" That's right only 5.54% at 65 mph. I replicated their trailer tail and found out the part STEMCO doesn't advertise and that is the system has zero effect at 70 mph. In order to get any useful reduction in drag at the higher speed the tail has to stick out practically 20 feet. I did run a model that way even though it was something completely impractical and still couldn't get much better that 8% when running the higher speed. I tried multiple scenarios with wings and deflectors on the back but never got any useful gains at the speed we want to travel.
captmoto
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captmoto 12/5/2018 10:15am
12/5/2018 10:15am Edited Date/Time 12/5/2018 10:16am
racerx217 wrote:
lol I use to pull a 34 ft with a 1500 silverado, got around 9mpg. I dont think it has all that much to do with...
lol I use to pull a 34 ft with a 1500 silverado, got around 9mpg. I dont think it has all that much to do with how much it weighs after 5k lbs, its more of like pulling a sail. FYI comparing my 16 silverado to my 18 Tundra, the Tundra will be able to alot more than 34 ft if you wanted too, i am sure mileage would suffer though, it likes the fuel.
Exactly, all the big truck front ends look like bulldogs. you know there is some fuel efficiency waiting to be had in their design. After 62 in my truck I can see a big change in fuel efficiency. I have a 29 gallon tank and that is just stupid for a V10.
Wow, that was brave pulling a trailer that long with a 1500.
racerx217
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racerx217 12/5/2018 6:33pm
12/5/2018 6:33pm
racerx217 wrote:
lol I use to pull a 34 ft with a 1500 silverado, got around 9mpg. I dont think it has all that much to do with...
lol I use to pull a 34 ft with a 1500 silverado, got around 9mpg. I dont think it has all that much to do with how much it weighs after 5k lbs, its more of like pulling a sail. FYI comparing my 16 silverado to my 18 Tundra, the Tundra will be able to alot more than 34 ft if you wanted too, i am sure mileage would suffer though, it likes the fuel.
captmoto wrote:
Exactly, all the big truck front ends look like bulldogs. you know there is some fuel efficiency waiting to be had in their design. After 62...
Exactly, all the big truck front ends look like bulldogs. you know there is some fuel efficiency waiting to be had in their design. After 62 in my truck I can see a big change in fuel efficiency. I have a 29 gallon tank and that is just stupid for a V10.
Wow, that was brave pulling a trailer that long with a 1500.
It wasnt bad at all and i would do it in a heart beat again. The only guys that say its sketchy are they guys that are towing with 2500's. Must make them feel better about having a bigger truck or something. They have a 10k tow rating for a reason.
casper
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casper 12/5/2018 8:08pm
12/5/2018 8:08pm
racerx217 wrote:
It wasnt bad at all and i would do it in a heart beat again. The only guys that say its sketchy are they guys that...
It wasnt bad at all and i would do it in a heart beat again. The only guys that say its sketchy are they guys that are towing with 2500's. Must make them feel better about having a bigger truck or something. They have a 10k tow rating for a reason.
I have a Tundra also and pull a 23 foot toy hauler fully loaded at ~8,000 pounds and at max payload and the Tundra pulls it fine. Yes, you can feel the truck is near it's limits, but that doesn't mean it feels unsafe. I've taken my Toy Hauler from San Diego to Mammoth and back, through the mountains at 104 degrees out and truck never overheated and was able to keep 55 mph going up steep grades.

I think it comes down to how comfortable you are with towing. I have friends that basically want to tow and not even feel like have a trailer behind them.

Tracktor
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Tracktor 12/6/2018 11:17am
12/6/2018 11:17am
racerx217 wrote:
It wasnt bad at all and i would do it in a heart beat again. The only guys that say its sketchy are they guys that...
It wasnt bad at all and i would do it in a heart beat again. The only guys that say its sketchy are they guys that are towing with 2500's. Must make them feel better about having a bigger truck or something. They have a 10k tow rating for a reason.
Pulling a heavy trailer with light duty truck might not be sketchy at times but stopping one can be. Heck, anything with a hitch and a big enough engine can tow but when something goes wrong, wind hits you, trailer brakes fail, etc having the correct tow rig can make the difference between driving away & being an accident statistic. Adding air bags to a light duty rig can help but it will never be as safe as a heavier duty rig.
What is funny about tow ratings on paper is often the factory hitch doesn't match what's printed on paper. Even my F350 is rated for more than the hitch is technically rated for.........

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