Aero Trailer? Could it help FE?

[Cd]

This is getting interesting.
I had never seen a single wheel trailer.

[MetroMPG]

Phil's DIY aero trailer had a single wheel:



There's a double-wheel aero trailer in his album too:

[Cd]

Here is a quickie image of the Flea dropped around 2 1/2 " with an aerotrailer.

[Bicycle Bob]

If the trailer wheels don't provide side force in a turn or to counter side winds, I think it is better just to build a super-light tail. A big egg-crate construction of Coroplast is plenty strong enough.

[whokilledthejams]

Originally Posted by Bicycle Bob

If the trailer wheels don't provide side force in a turn or to counter side winds, I think it is better just to build a super-light tail. A big egg-crate construction of Coroplast is plenty strong enough.

True, but a trailer has utility value, as well, and can be uncoupled fairly easily. It's not a bad way to go, really.

[Bicycle Bob]

Yes, a conventional, single pivot trailer can carry lots of weight with far less effect on stability. Swivel-wheel trailers should never be expected to carry a useful increment of weight without upsetting the handling.

[bbjsw10]

Darin, I like the first one of Phil's the second not so much.

The trailer I would like to build would have a hinged top. I am not camping in it just using to haul my camping/ fishing gear. I was thinking along the lines of using front motorcycle tires with custom axle. I could even cover the wheels with something to make the rim entirely enclosed, and also do a full belly pan on the trailer.

I was just thinking the motorcycle rims/tires would not add much RR. The weight of trailer fully loaded would probably be somewhere in ballpark of 400-500lbs. If not even lighter.

Single wheel trailer from doublehitch.com I like that idea, would be cheap to build. Also easy to aero mod taper the rear easy with only one tire.

[bennelson]

Hey bbjsw10,

I have a home built "teardrop trailer" camper, which I pull with four cylinders.

Most traditional teardrops really aren't that aerodynamic. The sketch you have at the top with the tapered sides looks like a great variation on it though.

I had a thread a while back about somebody elses teardrop which actually improved the fuel economy on her pickup truck while she pulled it. The had a 6-cyliner truck with a cap on it. I think her teardrop became a "tow-along boat-tail"!

I also talked to this guy a while back, who built his second teardrop trailer with aerodynamics in mind.



I know it was mentioned in your thread on the Metro Forum, but if you haven't yet, make sure to check out Teardrops & Tiny Travel Trailers :: Index it is THE PLACE for small and retro trailer building!!! That's where I got started working on mine.

[wagonman76]

This was an idea from another thread, but how about build a lightweight aero shape around a hitch drawbar, then you can easily remove it? Wire your extra lights to a trailer harness that can plug into the car end.

But the idea of doubling as extra carrying capacity is nice.

[bbjsw10]

Originally Posted by bennelson

Hey bbjsw10,

I have a home built "teardrop trailer" camper, which I pull with four cylinders.

Most traditional teardrops really aren't that aerodynamic. The sketch you have at the top with the tapered sides looks like a great variation on it though.

I think her teardrop became a "tow-along boat-tail"!

I also talked to this guy a while back, who built his second teardrop trailer with aerodynamics in mind.


Teardrops & Tiny Travel Trailers :: Index

Yeah I saw your Pics of teardrop you built. Have been thinking of it ever since seeing it.

I am aiming for the "tow-along boat-tail" effect. That is why I am aiming for that shape.

No pic on brokenhammer? I want to see it. Ideas!

Thanks for the link will look at later tonight.

I need a project for winter to keep me busy, I think this may be the one. Plus if I can design it to help mileage on long trips I may just pull it anyway.