[aerohead]

Originally Posted by slowmover

This is just great stuff. Knew that there was a lower number, but not that one could potentially "zero out" a trailer. The assumption (the workable one, today) is a minimum 30% loss from best solo mpg. Only 20% would be fantastic (for a trailer from which one could live or work). A 40% loss (sometimes more) is the norm.

The caveat is,that we can't have all the excressences like awnings and rooftop AC units,'n such scraping the sky as we go.These sorts of things must be better integrated into the body,as orbywan is doing on his rig

The utility trade-off. How long owned, how many miles, how many nights of use (or similar Q's for business trailers). Don't forget solar. Where and how to place those panels is a big deal. The overall independence of a trailer -- business or personal -- is vital, barely second to being roadworthy. Solar electric has become central to that independence, itself barely third after water storage/use, and propane (or other fuel).

One needs to be able to use what is aboard the trailer along any mile traveled, not just at designated waypoints. So, the antenna farm is another consideration. Building a roof for constant access is a backwards step (set-up and take-down) and removes utility. Doesn't matter if I'm setting up a roadside stand, or am traveling a gypsy route with family aboard. Anywhere, anytime.

By extension, the utility of a road vehicle (car, truck, etc) is pretty well limited to it's beginning and end points of travel. A trailer changes that equation (and investment) entirely. Business or pleasure. Scaled-to-use is the starting point as an asset (not just a drain on assets). After all, "home" needn't be more than a sort of garage where this can be plugged in . . . and not necessarily duplicated by standard household layout (size), appliances, etc.

A vessel roaming the seas is the model.

(Okay, no more digression).

,

perhaps, we can only present the data to the motoring public and let them decide whether they'll use any of it for their particular situation.
Generations of aero researchers have already lived and died without ever witnessing large scale adoption of the technology.I'm pragmatic enough to expect nothing significant within whats left of my lifetime.