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Originally Posted by bondo
Captain Williams put alot of work into it. Years ago I always thought it was optimization of frontal surfaces which allow for a low Cd. I was way off base, it is what you leave behind as you pass through the atmosphere that matters.
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Indeed!
Quote:
Originally Posted by bondo
The Aerolid was designed with functionality in mind. The fact that it deploys into a camper shell configuration (and can be driven at freeway speeds raised up) and that the roof can easily be removed, allows for extra utility of the truck bed. Below are a couple of pictures (you have probably seen before).
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I have seen those pix but thanks for sharing them again. You have great ideas and first class execution. For some it may be the perfect solution. My needs are just different, which I trust is okay. My eventual designs will certainly be less aerodynamic than yours. Interior space and layout is a priority since so much time will be spent inside the unit. The aero challenge is how to minimize its wake. Weight reduction will just be a bonus. The current offerings in the slide-in market leave a lot of room for improvement.
Quote:
Originally Posted by bondo
You said in an earlier post you are an Engineer. Good for you. We need more Engineers in this country today.
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Hopefully, using my engineering skills and sharing knowledge will benefit others too. If not, I fail a pledge.
Quote:
Originally Posted by bondo
You also stated you drive a Tundra. I am looking to tool up for a Tundra. If I can be of any help in anyway on your upcoming project let me know.
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I don't know how your demographic data looks but my Tundra is Gen-1 with extended cab (suicide doors) and short box (6.5' long). It may be the most popular body for that era but the Gen-2 models are very different as you probably know. If you think it a target market and need some key dimensions, let me know.
This raises a good point. There can be so many differences between pickups. As a result what works best to optimize one (allowing for different design goals) may be a weak solution for another. I'm interested in doing CFD so geometry will be needed. It would be great if we had an open library of solid models for various pickups. I know they can be purchased (and I am morally opposed to stealing so please don't go there) but we might be able to develop our own. They don't have to be perfect; just good enough. Google Sketchup is free, friendly and powerful so maybe sketchup drawings could do the trick. Other suggestions welcome.
Cheers
KB