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Old 02-23-2012, 05:16 PM   #6 (permalink)
Frank Lee
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The answer is (c), none of the above.

The closer you can keep the front of the trailer to the back of the tow vehicle, the better. If the back of the tow vehicle is large and flat (pickup and cap), (a) would be best, but put radii on all the leading edges. If the tow vehicle is a small sedan or some such, (b) might be better if the flat trailer front largely matches up with the rear of the trunk. Many, many trailers, especially the teardrops, have sharp junctions from sides to front/top/rear. It is expedient for construction but hurts aero. Then, teardropping more sharp than template leads to the rear being in turbulence... probably just as well off making a squareback then and enjoying the extra interior space.

Also, think in 3-D; boattail it in plan view as well.
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