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Old 10-12-2010, 02:44 PM   #15 (permalink)
dpero
EcoModding Lurker
 
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: InAHouse
Posts: 25

Jimmy - '89 GMC S15 Jimmy 2wd
Last 3: 22.56 mpg (US)
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Frank Lee View Post
For one, it's leading surface is further away from the tow vehicle's upper trailing edge and surface. Larger gap = bad.
So, would the previously suggested air deflector help this out?

Quote:
Originally Posted by Frank Lee View Post
Fourth, the "aero" trailer appears to actually have more rear area, thus it will have a larger trailing wake. That is where most of the aero action is anyway.
Yeah, I noticed that also. Maybe some modifications in that area would help?

Quote:
Originally Posted by Frank Lee View Post
The concept of the aero trailer is sorta nice but the execution of this one makes me think it is not much more than a marketing ploy OR they decided to bias the design in favor of increased interior volume without necessarily adding drag commensurately.
They don't actually market the shape as an aerodynamic improvement. Perhaps because it may be worse judging from your comments? I had first thought it would be better than the K-Z. They market the shape as such...
Uni-Arch fiberglass roof eliminates seams at critical water runoff areas
and...
Visa’s unique arched roof provides 82” of headroom at the highest point
Both of which are very true.



Quote:
Originally Posted by aerohead View Post
I looked at Hucho's book last night.His trailers are generally the same as the two under investigation.And according to Hucho,the 1st trailer would actually have the car/trailer lower drag,around Cd 0.45,based on the frontal area of the trailer.
The 'aero' trailer car/trailer combo would be around Cd 0.53.
The caveat is that the 1st trailer would reduce tongue weight with speed,the 'aero' trailer would be dead neutral and pull well under all conditions.
Interesting. Thanks for taking the time.



I looked at one last weekend and it seems much larger than the K-Z inside. That taller roof gives it a cathedral feel to it. We will probably go with the Visa. It simply feels much larger inside and has many other features I like. I will have to try to squeeze as much MPG out of it as I can of course. I towed a 4x6 enclosed trailer last weekend and MPG dropped from 21.5 to 15.5 with just that combo. Acceleration was fine but over 55mph and MPG tanked. It also tows quite far behind the van. I would guess just <10 with the camper???
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