Fuel Economy, Hypermiling, EcoModding News and Forum - EcoModder.com - View Single Post - Few Questions About Aerodynamics of DIY Travel Trailer

stcyrwm · 03-30-2019, 12:01 PM

Thanks George for your response.

I had not listed my current vehicle because I am very unsure that it will be the final tow vehicle. But if it helps, it is a 2004 GMC Savana with a short bus body on it and an 8 cyl short block vortec engine. In its current state as a camper, not towing, I average 12 mpg.

If I do use that for parameters then the width would need to be within that width of 7’4”. Height wise I am 6’5” so I was imagining the trailer being about 7’ tall from trailer base.

Also I do not have the trailer base yet. If I do this project I will be buying the trailer base sometime in the next few months and had wanted to do some design work before that. Hence the questions to help me get started with that.

I think what I am hearing you say though is that if you had more specific parameters it would be easier to help. In that case another way to ask my questions would be to say:

If I start with the parameters of a 7’ wide by 7’ tall travel trailer that is 20’ long - how would you adapt that basic box shape into something aerodynamic but still useful. Specifically, (leaving aside for now the issues of tv to trailer gap and fairings):

How would you radius the front edges of the trailer?

How would you radius the edges along the top sides of the trailer?

How would you taper the back into a partial boattail in order to still allow usable space in the back eg for a queen size bed if that is possible?

I have done wood construction in the past and would probably do a lightweight wood frame for the trailer. I am comfortable with the possibility of using plywood to make the arches needed to radius the edges. And I am considering a modified version of some of the foam and canvas wrapped trailers built by the folks over at the TTNTTT.com forum.

I definitely like the idea of doing an aerodynamic tiny house. It seems that almost none of the tiny house designs are anywhere close to being aerodynamic in the sense that it is talked about here. But that is probably another project. Maybe a similar design with slide outs and/or a raisable roof for a sleeping loft.

Thanks, Bill

03-30-2019, 12:01 PM	#3 (permalink)
stcyrwm EcoModding Lurker Join Date: Jun 2018 Location: Montpelier VT Posts: 26 Thanks: 20 Thanked 7 Times in 6 Posts	Thanks George for your response. I had not listed my current vehicle because I am very unsure that it will be the final tow vehicle. But if it helps, it is a 2004 GMC Savana with a short bus body on it and an 8 cyl short block vortec engine. In its current state as a camper, not towing, I average 12 mpg. If I do use that for parameters then the width would need to be within that width of 7’4”. Height wise I am 6’5” so I was imagining the trailer being about 7’ tall from trailer base. Also I do not have the trailer base yet. If I do this project I will be buying the trailer base sometime in the next few months and had wanted to do some design work before that. Hence the questions to help me get started with that. I think what I am hearing you say though is that if you had more specific parameters it would be easier to help. In that case another way to ask my questions would be to say: If I start with the parameters of a 7’ wide by 7’ tall travel trailer that is 20’ long - how would you adapt that basic box shape into something aerodynamic but still useful. Specifically, (leaving aside for now the issues of tv to trailer gap and fairings): How would you radius the front edges of the trailer? How would you radius the edges along the top sides of the trailer? How would you taper the back into a partial boattail in order to still allow usable space in the back eg for a queen size bed if that is possible? I have done wood construction in the past and would probably do a lightweight wood frame for the trailer. I am comfortable with the possibility of using plywood to make the arches needed to radius the edges. And I am considering a modified version of some of the foam and canvas wrapped trailers built by the folks over at the TTNTTT.com forum. I definitely like the idea of doing an aerodynamic tiny house. It seems that almost none of the tiny house designs are anywhere close to being aerodynamic in the sense that it is talked about here. But that is probably another project. Maybe a similar design with slide outs and/or a raisable roof for a sleeping loft. Thanks, Bill