Aerodynamic trailer design

[aerohead]

Originally Posted by Ecky

Much appreciated!

I'm already as far forward as I care to go with a fixed structure. If I experience problems on the highway, perhaps a shark-tail fin on top would help?

And yeah, Tallahassee.

Even if you don't need one for stability,when combined with a running lamp,it would give you peace of mind that 'it's still back there.'
These trailers tend to 'disappear' in the mirrors!

[aerohead]

I don't think I have good enough chops to predict what's gonna happen.
I suspect that the whole trailer will be immersed in turbulence.Although this has been a 'strategy' for many.A wake rider,stuffing the wake.Very complex.

[Ecky]

Starting to assemble the frame:






~~

I flipped the axle to get a few inches of extra depth, and adjusted my design.

I'm thinking of adding a third set of hinges, so I can move the first two closer to the edge (they're not screwed in yet) and compensate for the "passenger" door beam bowing a bit. I'll be adding two more cross beams and some more vertical supports. Planning on 1/2" plywood for the floor to save weight. Not sure how I'm going to tackle the wheel skirts and nose yet.

[aerohead]

Sometimes,when you're not even thinking about the project,things will pop into your head.
You'll probably surprise yourself.

[Ecky]

[freebeard]

It looks like the lids will be in the way for loading/unloading. Consider the bottom half of this picture. Flip both latches and you'd have an open box.

[Ecky]

I realized after I assembled it that the doors hadn't opened as wide as I had wanted. I might try a wider hinge, a different hinge type to allow the doors to open flush with the side (I'll need to see what exists), or perhaps put one set of hinges between the two doors, so they open like a closet door.

[freebeard]

Look to the hood latches as used on 40s Buicks and early 50s International trucks for examples. If the two halves hinge against each other it would be easier to open/remove.

[Ecky]

I had some free time today so I decided to do some paneling on the trailer. This probably isn't the material I'll use permanently on the sides, but I had fun with it, and I'll leave the belly pan on as-is. The nose is especially temporary, but I didn't want to take it on the highway with a blunt nose sticking out into the wind. The red box indicates where the permanent nose will be.

[aardvarcus]

Looking good.