Utility trailer hack (building an aero enclosure for a 1100 mile highway trip)

[KamperBob]

Any bets on whether Frank will pull easier or harder than his competition?


Same truck, and similar weights. Not super scientific but it may be the only reference given the Short [hopefully] Happy Life of Francis M.

Cheers
KB

[91lexusES250]

awesome cad discription video !

[Christ]

Easier. Less weight, shorter, and less frontal area, regardless of Cd, plus a more rounded front end.

[Frank Lee]

Can't say. Similar weight, similar frontal areas (?), as noted, more rounded isn't an automatic benefit.

[Christ]

But it should be.

I like-a do da cha-cha.

I dunno, I was guessing on seriously limited data, so I didn't make any effort to actually make it a serious guess.

[Frank Lee]

Yeah, my real answer is it's too close to call I think. Given similar test conditions I'd not expect one to outperform the other. Still needs a topper.

[COcyclist]

I'm have my fingers crossed for the Frankentrailer. Just a WAG but judging from the photos on the website, Frankentrailer appears to have nicely tapered sides and a much narrower rear profile than the Scamp.

That said, there are a ton of variables that could throw the results off i.e.; headwinds, cold temps, rain, snow, slush. To really know would require ABABAB testing on the same day, same weather conditions with a fully warmed tow vehicle.

[KamperBob]

Originally Posted by COcyclist

I'm have my fingers crossed for the Frankentrailer. Just a WAG but judging from the photos on the website, Frankentrailer appears to have nicely tapered sides and a much narrower rear profile than the Scamp.

That said, there are a ton of variables that could throw the results off i.e.; headwinds, cold temps, rain, snow, slush. To really know would require ABABAB testing on the same day, same weather conditions with a fully warmed tow vehicle.

I agree that a scientific comparison would be ideal for the learning aspects of this project. I wish that was practical but it's just not. This is my criteria for success.

1. Safety: nothing exciting happens
2. Protection: nothing inside the trailer is worse for wear
3. Performance: MPGs not worse than the Scamp

We're loaded. Ready to hit the road after work tomorrow. Should be there Sat PM. Route is central MA to central IL by way of I80. If you see us wave. I wave back because I'm friendly. If Frank waves back, something is loose!

Cheers
KB

[KamperBob]

Quick update: the trip was uneventful. Some info on Frank's "project" page.
FrankenHauler

Cheers
KB