Fuel Economy, Hypermiling, EcoModding News and Forum - EcoModder.com - View Single Post - Full-boat-tail trailer with gap-fillers for Toyota T-100 pickup

aerohead · 08-18-2011, 06:51 PM

Today I drove with the Lazy-C frame for the first time.I disassembled a pair of inline skates,chopped them down and re-configured them with the band-saw for the C-frame pivot-centering tensioners.They were extremely easy to adapt.They are supported in a 'falling' position,with a roller resting against the rear bumper center,pivoting from a former roller location at the bottom,bolted directly through the vertical uprights on each side of the C-frame,with the original skate hardware.
I purchased compression springs and 3/4-inch copper plumbing solder-on caps to form a 'land' for one end of the springs,and will notch a section of the skate chassis to accept the other.
The tensioners will 'push' against the bumper and 'center' the C-frame at all times,parallel with the back of the bumper.During climbing on a ramp,they will absorb the compression loading as the frame top displaces towards the integrator.
Going over railroad tracks the C-frame moves away from the integrator so clearance isn't an issue there.
Going straight down the highway,the side panels will always be 'centered' as a function of the C-frame centering.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
I also dialed in the final configuration for the new,abbreviated upper panel frame.I'll make the cuts tomorrow and weld it up.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
The side frames will have to be re-worked as the crown created by the inverted splitter has closed the space the frames originally occupied.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
I will widen the base of the diffuser to align with the trailer base outline.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Will also be making a mold of the original boat-tail Poco-Loco stinger to create a fairing which completes the aero-shell.This will be integrated into the top gap-filler panel and kill the turbulence that resides there.
I'll have to do the layups early in the morning as the pot-life for the catalyzed resin is about as long as a cough!
I'll get photos and see about getting them posted Saturday when it's a little slower for Al.
Much to do.
PS if anyone needs heat,we've got some extras to go around!

08-18-2011, 06:51 PM	#191 (permalink)
aerohead Master EcoModder Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Sanger,Texas,U.S.A. Posts: 16,268 Thanks: 24,393 Thanked 7,360 Times in 4,760 Posts	Mini-update Today I drove with the Lazy-C frame for the first time.I disassembled a pair of inline skates,chopped them down and re-configured them with the band-saw for the C-frame pivot-centering tensioners.They were extremely easy to adapt.They are supported in a 'falling' position,with a roller resting against the rear bumper center,pivoting from a former roller location at the bottom,bolted directly through the vertical uprights on each side of the C-frame,with the original skate hardware. I purchased compression springs and 3/4-inch copper plumbing solder-on caps to form a 'land' for one end of the springs,and will notch a section of the skate chassis to accept the other. The tensioners will 'push' against the bumper and 'center' the C-frame at all times,parallel with the back of the bumper.During climbing on a ramp,they will absorb the compression loading as the frame top displaces towards the integrator. Going over railroad tracks the C-frame moves away from the integrator so clearance isn't an issue there. Going straight down the highway,the side panels will always be 'centered' as a function of the C-frame centering. ------------------------------------------------------------------------- I also dialed in the final configuration for the new,abbreviated upper panel frame.I'll make the cuts tomorrow and weld it up. ------------------------------------------------------------------------- The side frames will have to be re-worked as the crown created by the inverted splitter has closed the space the frames originally occupied. ------------------------------------------------------------------------- I will widen the base of the diffuser to align with the trailer base outline. -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Will also be making a mold of the original boat-tail Poco-Loco stinger to create a fairing which completes the aero-shell.This will be integrated into the top gap-filler panel and kill the turbulence that resides there. I'll have to do the layups early in the morning as the pot-life for the catalyzed resin is about as long as a cough! I'll get photos and see about getting them posted Saturday when it's a little slower for Al. Much to do. PS if anyone needs heat,we've got some extras to go around!