10-26-2008, 11:35 AM
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#11 (permalink)
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Ultimate Fail
Join Date: Feb 2008
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This is getting interesting.
I had never seen a single wheel trailer.
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Today
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10-26-2008, 11:40 AM
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#12 (permalink)
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Batman Junior
Join Date: Nov 2007
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Phil's DIY aero trailer had a single wheel:
There's a double-wheel aero trailer in his album too:
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10-26-2008, 11:53 AM
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#13 (permalink)
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Ultimate Fail
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Here is a quickie image of the Flea dropped around 2 1/2 " with an aerotrailer.
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10-26-2008, 03:51 PM
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#14 (permalink)
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EcoModding Apprentice
Join Date: May 2008
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If the trailer wheels don't provide side force in a turn or to counter side winds, I think it is better just to build a super-light tail. A big egg-crate construction of Coroplast is plenty strong enough.
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There is no excuse for a land vehicle to weigh more than its average payload.
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10-26-2008, 05:54 PM
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#15 (permalink)
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Boxhead
Join Date: May 2008
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Bicycle Bob
If the trailer wheels don't provide side force in a turn or to counter side winds, I think it is better just to build a super-light tail. A big egg-crate construction of Coroplast is plenty strong enough.
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True, but a trailer has utility value, as well, and can be uncoupled fairly easily. It's not a bad way to go, really.
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10-26-2008, 06:22 PM
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#16 (permalink)
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EcoModding Apprentice
Join Date: May 2008
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Yes, a conventional, single pivot trailer can carry lots of weight with far less effect on stability. Swivel-wheel trailers should never be expected to carry a useful increment of weight without upsetting the handling.
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There is no excuse for a land vehicle to weigh more than its average payload.
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10-26-2008, 08:46 PM
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#17 (permalink)
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Addicted
Join Date: Jul 2008
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Darin, I like the first one of Phil's the second not so much.
The trailer I would like to build would have a hinged top. I am not camping in it just using to haul my camping/ fishing gear. I was thinking along the lines of using front motorcycle tires with custom axle. I could even cover the wheels with something to make the rim entirely enclosed, and also do a full belly pan on the trailer.
I was just thinking the motorcycle rims/tires would not add much RR. The weight of trailer fully loaded would probably be somewhere in ballpark of 400-500lbs. If not even lighter.
Single wheel trailer from doublehitch.com I like that idea, would be cheap to build. Also easy to aero mod taper the rear easy with only one tire.
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Last edited by bbjsw10; 10-26-2008 at 09:50 PM..
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10-27-2008, 10:43 AM
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#18 (permalink)
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EV test pilot
Join Date: Jan 2008
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Hey bbjsw10,
I have a home built "teardrop trailer" camper, which I pull with four cylinders.
Most traditional teardrops really aren't that aerodynamic. The sketch you have at the top with the tapered sides looks like a great variation on it though.
I had a thread a while back about somebody elses teardrop which actually improved the fuel economy on her pickup truck while she pulled it. The had a 6-cyliner truck with a cap on it. I think her teardrop became a "tow-along boat-tail"!
I also talked to this guy a while back, who built his second teardrop trailer with aerodynamics in mind.
I know it was mentioned in your thread on the Metro Forum, but if you haven't yet, make sure to check out Teardrops & Tiny Travel Trailers :: Index it is THE PLACE for small and retro trailer building!!! That's where I got started working on mine.
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10-27-2008, 01:22 PM
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#19 (permalink)
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Master EcoModder
Join Date: Jun 2008
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This was an idea from another thread, but how about build a lightweight aero shape around a hitch drawbar, then you can easily remove it? Wire your extra lights to a trailer harness that can plug into the car end.
But the idea of doubling as extra carrying capacity is nice.
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Winter daily driver, parked most days right now
Summer daily driver
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10-27-2008, 06:06 PM
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#20 (permalink)
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Addicted
Join Date: Jul 2008
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Quote:
Originally Posted by bennelson
Hey bbjsw10,
I have a home built "teardrop trailer" camper, which I pull with four cylinders.
Most traditional teardrops really aren't that aerodynamic. The sketch you have at the top with the tapered sides looks like a great variation on it though.
I think her teardrop became a "tow-along boat-tail"!
I also talked to this guy a while back, who built his second teardrop trailer with aerodynamics in mind.
Teardrops & Tiny Travel Trailers :: Index
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Yeah I saw your Pics of teardrop you built. Have been thinking of it ever since seeing it.
I am aiming for the "tow-along boat-tail" effect. That is why I am aiming for that shape.
No pic on brokenhammer? I want to see it. Ideas!
Thanks for the link will look at later tonight.
I need a project for winter to keep me busy, I think this may be the one. Plus if I can design it to help mileage on long trips I may just pull it anyway.
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