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benfroggg · 01-27-2017, 07:13 PM

Nice, I have a friend with a fully restored Wesfalia bus. Super cool.
I've always wanted to build an aero trailer that had a flexible union that actually touched the towing vehicle, similar to how Amtrak trains have rubber joints between cars. Thus the trailer is a full boat tail... improving MPG's as well as storage.

The solar heating panel does work well... the application is key, though. You have to find a solution to close the vent during the night, or much of the energy gains find their way back out again. Mine works well because the building it's in pretty much doesn't get used after dark. Just daytime use... so it rides 10-20degrees above outdoor temps with incomplete insulation in the building. Not to shabby.

Back to the motorhome...
Today I was thinking about how to do the boat tail. First I was thinking folding aluminum panels (former beds from the pop up trailer to utility trailer build video) mounted on the back leading edges. Then some nifty arrangement to have a folding panel to fill in the top. This would end up looking exactly like what big rigs are using now.

But that has some problems... firstly, it doesn't fill in the large hole in the back of the boat tail. Secondly, it doesn't offer any more storage. Third, the taillights couldn't easily be relocated, so the tail would have to be above the lights... thus losing 20% of boat tail potential.

So instead I'm thinking of something that goes into the hitch. Weld up a light 3/4" tube frame that sits 1" or less from the back of the camper body. Closed on all sides including the back. A small access door provides storage for a couple stage props (lowrider bikes). Then use the hitch wiring to plug in the boat tail which would have built in tail lights. Mount the plate on the rear bumper or just below, etc.
Only real issue is getting it on and off. There has to be an elegant solution to do this... I was thinking of some folding wheels or something.
Best yet, I can get the motorhome on the road/inspected before I build it.

What are your thoughts on that?

01-27-2017, 07:13 PM	#59 (permalink)
benfroggg EcoModding Lurker Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Augusta, ME Posts: 45 Thanks: 2 Thanked 12 Times in 11 Posts	Nice, I have a friend with a fully restored Wesfalia bus. Super cool. I've always wanted to build an aero trailer that had a flexible union that actually touched the towing vehicle, similar to how Amtrak trains have rubber joints between cars. Thus the trailer is a full boat tail... improving MPG's as well as storage. The solar heating panel does work well... the application is key, though. You have to find a solution to close the vent during the night, or much of the energy gains find their way back out again. Mine works well because the building it's in pretty much doesn't get used after dark. Just daytime use... so it rides 10-20degrees above outdoor temps with incomplete insulation in the building. Not to shabby. Back to the motorhome... Today I was thinking about how to do the boat tail. First I was thinking folding aluminum panels (former beds from the pop up trailer to utility trailer build video) mounted on the back leading edges. Then some nifty arrangement to have a folding panel to fill in the top. This would end up looking exactly like what big rigs are using now. But that has some problems... firstly, it doesn't fill in the large hole in the back of the boat tail. Secondly, it doesn't offer any more storage. Third, the taillights couldn't easily be relocated, so the tail would have to be above the lights... thus losing 20% of boat tail potential. So instead I'm thinking of something that goes into the hitch. Weld up a light 3/4" tube frame that sits 1" or less from the back of the camper body. Closed on all sides including the back. A small access door provides storage for a couple stage props (lowrider bikes). Then use the hitch wiring to plug in the boat tail which would have built in tail lights. Mount the plate on the rear bumper or just below, etc. Only real issue is getting it on and off. There has to be an elegant solution to do this... I was thinking of some folding wheels or something. Best yet, I can get the motorhome on the road/inspected before I build it. What are your thoughts on that?