It's better backwards...rooftop cargo box test

[ennored]

This could probably get posted in a few different threads.

Calix Aero Loader reversed skibox test

I have a similar box, and use it backwards, but on the top of a pickup bed. Almost an aero cap.

(Thanks mods.)

[redpoint5]

We've been saying forever that roof boxes were designed backwards. Don't know why it took until now for a company to have figured that out. Late is better than never.

https://ecomodder.com/forum/showthre...box-18000.html

[Cd]

That looks so much like a Xenomorph from Aliens !

[Cd]

If fish were designed like car cargo boxes :

[seifrob]

This has been discussed in many threads before, iirc. The seemingly backward shape is because of aerodynamic stability, at least that was the answer provided (cannot find the OP though), and I think it makes sense. Safety is always more important than consumption. Apparently having cargo box "normal way" makes it self-stabilize in a headwind the same way, as darts do.

... just my 2 cents.

[redpoint5]

Probably many cars would be more efficient if driven backwards. The hood and engine bay of a car make for a natural taper best utilized in the rear of the vehicle. If we didn't need crumple zones (accidents so rare as to be unnecessary to engineer for it), maybe we'd see cars designed with a more blunt front end with a taper to the rear.

[freebeard]

seifrob: Not unreasonable. OTOH if the roof-top carrier might put the whole car in the ditch, there may be larger problems.

[j-c-c]

Originally Posted by redpoint5

Probably many cars would be more efficient if driven backwards.

So the cargo boxes are properly originally mounted, its just we are driving the wrong direction?

[aerohead]

Originally Posted by redpoint5

Probably many cars would be more efficient if driven backwards. The hood and engine bay of a car make for a natural taper best utilized in the rear of the vehicle. If we didn't need crumple zones (accidents so rare as to be unnecessary to engineer for it), maybe we'd see cars designed with a more blunt front end with a taper to the rear.

After pondering a flight of aircraft, Carl Breer considered their shape, with respect to efficiency, eventually leading to the development of Chrysler's 1934 Airflow series automobiles.
Model wind tunnel testing revealed that their DeSoto sedan had lower drag backwards. And as a publicity stunt, leading up the the debut of the Airflow, they hired race car driver Harry Hartz to drive a 'backwards Plymouth', coast-to-coast to to run the concept home with American motorists. The 'backwards' car had a higher top speed and better fuel economy.
Mythbusters tried this with a Porsche 928. I haven't seen the episode.
In 1996, Ford Thunderbird, Winston Cup Series, NASCAR, team owner, Robert Yates commented in a CIRCLE TRACK Magazine article that, their cars, as 'teardrops', would go much faster backwards.

[redpoint5]

Here's how you improve MPGs with a trailer.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qO-PWSfDONw