Towing a Ford Courier Pick Up Bed Behind Prius?

[Angel And The Wolf]

Originally Posted by ThomCat316

Teardrops n Tiny Travel Trailers; View topic - "Lite House" Ultralight Monocoque build - 6/25/11

Thanks, that was very informative.

[Angel And The Wolf]

Originally Posted by wyatt

Not once have I had an overheating issue, and have pulled a variety of things up to 1000 pounds. Up hills, down hills, cruise set at 70.

Is that a utility trailer under your box? I used one, and burned out a wheel bearing by pulling it at highway speeds, when it was rated for 45 mph.

[freebeard]

If I were designing a trailer, I'd probably base it around the Macpherson strut front suspension of a VW Superbeetle. It's about 32" clear between the towers and is designed to carry the light end of a one-ton car.

Car suspension parts on a monocoque box. 13" wheels and up.

[wyatt]

Originally Posted by Angel And The Wolf

Is that a utility trailer under your box? I used one, and burned out a wheel bearing by pulling it at highway speeds, when it was rated for 45 mph.

It’s the smallest trailer that Harbor Freight sells, but the one with the bigger 1080 pound axle and 13” tires. No issues yet, and at least 5000 miles on it. Most of those miles were significantly under its rated payload (able to pick up and move the back end of the trailer when loaded. This is important because it’s extremely difficult to back with precision).

At any rate, I’m not trying to tell you to buy a utility trailer, I’m telling you that I haven’t had any issues towing a reasonably heavy trailer, like if you were to use the pickup bed. I’m not offended if you decide to go another route, I just want you informed.

If you build a trailer, or anything else, and it doesn’t have a solid skin (say just using fabric), expect no aero benefit. The fabric will just flap in the breeze. I remember a boat tail being built years ago that was covered in heavy plastic that was pulled taunting. It looked great, no aero benefit.

If all you are looking for is a boattail and possibly some cargo toom, you could build off a hitch mounted cargo carrier box. The one I have is stock and rides completely in the wake and doesn’t impact MPG at all. 13 extra cubic feet of cargo volume though (only up to 165 pounds). With this setup you avoid all of the major issues of a trailer (backing, axles, being charged extra at tolls, etc.).

Just giving ideas, use what you like, like I say, I’m not offended if you go a different route than I did.

[Angel And The Wolf]

You have been a great help to the development of my trailer ideas. Currently, my ideas are the boat trailer, with a shortened tongue, (12 feet is to long for "The Profile") with a 3/4 inch floor, and a lightweight (possibly Fiberglas mat covered Styrofoam honeycomb, but more likely, a PVC pipe frame with something like a Formica) shell, opening clam-shell style, with a lip on the floor to seal against rain being blown under and into the cargo area. Not sure yet of the details of the hinge - can't hit the back of the car when opened. might have to hinge at the top of the front of the trailer with an overbite lip for the hing(es). Good use of weatherstripping all around.

Off to work. Drawing to follow later.

[Angel And The Wolf]

Originally Posted by freebeard

If I were designing a trailer, I'd probably base it around the Macpherson strut front suspension of a VW Superbeetle.

Probably beyond my skills. I'm not as talented as many you guys, but thanks for the idea.

[freebeard]

boat trailer..and a lightweight...shell, opening clam-shell style, with a lip on the floor to seal against rain being blown under and into the cargo area. Not sure yet of the details of the hinge

I drew this a while back for another post. The custom 'boat' could be reversed or double-ended.

[Angel And The Wolf]

Yes, that's the idea, but my clam shell would drop down OVER the lower lip, and be Profile curved.

[freebeard]

It was a rough sketch that could use detailing... like wheels.

But even if it was smoothened instead of faceted, the difference would be small. IMHO, of course.

[hayden55]

Ill have to add a pic in here but I tow a 1538 1970 Fisher Jon boat (square lifted nose) with my 2010 Prius. Today it was 97F full sun 60% humidity and I went 62 mph gps for 3.5 hours and I got 31 mpg. Thats with a ~ 385lb boat, 130lb yamaha 30hp motor, around 60 pounds of stuff in the boat with a cover over everything, and a single axle boat trailer with 8" wheels id assume to weigh 200. So that might be altogether around 775 pounds. Id really say its pretty close to the biggest non aerodynamic thing I would want to take down the interstate. Need to optimize some more things with it.