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Originally Posted by sparksnsaaben
At speeds below 50 to 60 mph, I can barely notice it behind me
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Then stick to those speeds.
Surely it'll take longer, but it'll save a bunch of gas.
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What minimum height should I build my aerodynamic "nose"? What is the best shape, one plane, three planes, etc.?
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A bulge above the trunk height will do.
See
On Aerodynamics Pull Trailers as an exemple.
An approximation of a bulge with angled plates will work, just not as well.
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I am also considering adding a "boat tail" if that would result in a significant fuel savings.
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Boattailing the trailer would give a considerable reduction in drag.
Even simple angled plates will work.
Almost anything is better than a square shaped back.
Just don't add a round or circular tail fairing.
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As of right now I believe that fixing the front aerodynamic disparity is the only thing required to meet the law of diminishing returns.
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Changes to the front have smaller effects on the drag than curing the rear end.
Rounding off the trailer's front corners will help.
A spoiler on the car roof might help, but the gap is pretty large.
A nosecone on the upper part of the trailer (anything above trunk height) will likely work better.
A vertical splitter plate on the tongue can help to prevent crossflow.
Putting angled deflectors in front of the trailer tyres, and boattails aft of them will also help.