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Old 11-03-2009, 10:04 PM   #3 (permalink)
MetroMPG
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Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: 1000 Islands, Ontario, Canada
Posts: 22,515

Blackfly - '98 Geo Metro
Team Metro
Last 3: 70.09 mpg (US)

MPGiata - '90 Mazda Miata
90 day: 52.71 mpg (US)

Even Fancier Metro - '14 Mitsubishi Mirage top spec
90 day: 70.75 mpg (US)

Appliance car - '14 Mitsubishi Mirage ES (base)
90 day: 52.48 mpg (US)
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Agreed on topper + deflector.

Also, side skirts like this:



After that the biggest gains are likely to be found at the rear of the trailer.

To reduce drag, you need to reduce cross sectional area of the turbulent wake you're leaving behind. That means a full or partial "boat tail" or add-ons that effectively taper the thing in profile & plan view. (EG. Note the tapering of the side skirts aft of the wheels in the above image.)

I've seen a photo of an inflatable, detachable trailer "boat tail" around, but can't find it at the moment.
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Project MPGiata! Mods for getting 50+ MPG from a 1990 Miata
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EcoModder
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www.MetroMPG.com - fuel efficiency info for Geo Metro owners
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