Full-boat-tail trailer with gap-fillers for Toyota T-100 pickup

[aerohead]

This is hijacked from the aerodynamic paradigm shift thread,but is germane to the topic:

We've had 60-foot,articulated buses in the U.S.A. since 1951,so it's a rather mature technology.
A full-monocoque,low-floor construction would allow the low profile body.All the luggage would be in the trailer,allowing about 36-inches of vertical height to be removed without any sacrifice to interior space.
They'd be harder to tip over in a collision,and MPG would reflect the lower CdA.

[freebeard]

...the aerodynamic paradigm shift thread?

Wouldn't a Tropfenwagen tail be as efficient, factoring in cargo space?

[aerohead]

Originally Posted by freebeard

...the aerodynamic paradigm shift thread?

Wouldn't a Tropfenwagen tail be as efficient, factoring in cargo space?

Aerodynamically,it would be pretty slippery.That body,without wheels is Cd 0.14 according to Wolfgang Klemperer,who tested the car (model) at the Zeppelin Werke.If the wheels were brought inside the trailer it would still be slick.
The half-body-based trailer that I drew might have a lower C.G.which John and I thought was important after looking at fatal roll-over bus accidents online. That might be it's only advantage.

[aerohead]

I just wanted to mention to any of you following this thread,that you ought to check out the thread: 'Boat tail project based on a single wheel trailer,' which BamZipPow is currently fabricating and road testing as it evolves.
Bam's seen some interesting numbers and it's early in the game.

[Xist]

http://ecomodder.com/forum/showthrea...tml#post391536

[aerohead]

Here is a link to a Cobra brand sailplane trailer which might be enhanced (fenders,gap,plan-view taper) to optimize towing efficiency.
http://www.easternsailplane.com/cata...braTrailer.jpg
here's a link to a tiny photo of above trailer in tow
http://www.cobratrailer.com/wp-conte...ds/marokko.jpg
Here's a link to a different trailer built by Cobra
http://home.nwi.net/~blanikam/ba/ima...bra_l23_2..jpg
Here's the 'Coast-to-Coast' EV Range-Extender Trailer for those with extreme range anxiety.(kidding)
https://1a6714e2-a-62cb3a1a-s-sites....attredirects=0

[aerohead]

I just ran across this surfing the net
http://img2.eurotransport.de/Spedito...380c-41827.jpg

[ecomodded]

Here's a link to a Mercedes truck/trailer to further delve into trailer design




Aero trailer design study from Mercedes-Benz

[Xist]

[ecomodded]

Those are wheel Gowns , you heard it her first , because I just made it up..