Boat tail project based on a single wheel trailer...

[BamZipPow]

After doing some more brainstorming, it looks like I will go back to using the PEX pipe to keep tension on the doors as well as securing the lower part from moving too far. It will be much simpler than trying to work up the proper angle fer using the metal brace setup. It will be almost like a bolt action setup. The PEX pipe will side into a channel built into the extended sides.

To release the door, slide the pipe back into channels. To lock the door in place, slide the pipe into the fitting on the door. A clip will keep the pipe from sliding back.

[BamZipPow]

Some quick measurements...

From the back edge of the rear bumper to the front edge of the access doors: 3.5"
From the back edge of the rear bumper to the back edge of the trailer tail lights: 7'2"
Gap between the back edge of the rear tail lights to the front edge of the access doors: 8.5"
Height at the tallest point when attached: 49"
Height at the rear: 43"
Width at the front access doors when configured for travel: 64.5"
Width at the rear: 45.5"

The tail gate can be up or down with the trailer attached. Clearance from the top of the tail gate to the bottom of the extended lid is 8.5".

[BamZipPow]

Lid is done...


Time to start cleaning the other Coroplast panels so I can apply some spray adhesive to stick the Tyvek to it...

[BamZipPow]

Tyvek is installed on one side...

[aerohead]

Bam,the 'voids' are fast disappearing and she does look plenty sturdy.
From your new dimensions,it looks like your new wake area will be about a third of the original.You've exceeded Kamm's 'practical' length 50% frontal area wake recommendation,with length that can easily be removed from the truck,so you have the potential to eventually exceed the drag reduction of any of Kamm's road-going cars.
Cd 0.23 was his lowest drag,built on the Mercedes-Benz 170-V experimental chassis architecture.She'd do 115-mph with 85-hp,and got remarkably higher mpg that the 'naked' Mercedes.
With everything faired in she'll be a real 'Cold Rod,' and the inspiration for a new, feature-length motion picture,"The Fast and the Frugal."
It will be hard to wait for gas station data on the upcoming road trip.
Thanks for all the uncounted hours of 'retrodynamics'.I like to think that you'll have some big grins going down I-10.

[BamZipPow]

Both sides are Tyvek'd...





Lights are working, too!

Just have a little bit of trimming left to do and it will be time to work on the gap covers. Test run is scheduled fer Sunday out to Houston.

[freebeard]

do they have Armadillos there?

[BamZipPow]

Originally Posted by freebeard

do they have Armadillos there?

Here in College Station? Not sure if they are around here or not. I haven't seen any in person. I think it might be too cold fer them.

[BamZipPow]

Got everything hooked up and went fer a spin. After I got to the grocery store, I gave everything a quick look over and everything seemed fine. Nothing fell off or got ripped off.

It wasn't until I got home and started backing up...did I realize that I fergot to pull the wheel stabilizers. Yup...they were snapped off but they stayed in the wheel section. Guess I need to cut another set or two and find a place to store them on the outside of the trailer so I know I've pulled them out before embarking on the road.

Since this is the first time installing the extended lid, I've found that it's not as easy as one would expect when brainstorming it out. At least it works...

First impressions of the new build is that I do carry more speed at coasting than I'm normally used to before with just the aero cap. There was some big gusty crosswinds and the truck held it's line just fine. I'll do more testing tomorrow...

[BamZipPow]

A quick 60 mile drive in the rain yielded some interesting results. No water vapor deposits on the aero cap rear window! I wasn't able to determine if I was leaving any sort of rooster tail or not but from what I could see from the rear window...probably not.