Project: Aero Trailer for TDi

[elhigh]

Amazing results. I'll keep an eye peeled for you guys to come through Knoxville. I probably won't be able to break away to say hi though, I have volunteers to run.

[aerohead]

Originally Posted by Stan

How about your fuel economy east of Albuquerque?

When Pop Sci did their San Francisco-to-New York economy run in a Geo Metro LSi they got their single best tank between Cheyenne,Wyoming and the town of Goehmer,about 500-miles east.
It will interesting to see just where the 'sweetest' tank turns up.

[4862forestgrove]

Any updates on your trailer? I am in the process of putting together a similar setup for my 2004 Jetta TDI Wagon for an RV / Teardrop trailer based on a Harbor Freight 1720# load frame. Have you done any permanent work on the skirt? What is your MPG without the trailer? I saw a big racing hubcap, then it was gone... any experience with that?

[4862forestgrove]

PS I didnt see any dimension... how much space under the lid? Height interior, total height with trailer... front height rear height... width... rib materials? Any information would be useful.

[freebeard]

4862forestgrove -- You visited the O.P.'s Profile page, did you notice this?

General Information
Last Activity: 06-22-2013 11:03 PM

[slowmover]

Need to throw in a caution about trailer tires. Next to none are rated for above 65-mph (unless in the fine print accoriding to several conditions met). An upgrade to a decent tire/wheel size and best quality brand is highly recommended for any trailer of any sort. I would not want to put Mile One on an HF trailer with original, as-purchased tires.

Weigh the trailer, with as close to travel condition load as possible. Weigh across axle, and weigh each separately on a public scale. One wants to see -- in worst loading -- 15% "reserve" in loading. IOW, a tire rated at 1,840-lbs ought to have on it no more than 1,564-lbs.

All posts by tire engineer CapriRacer are to this end. An HF trailer, for example, has the most minimal tires possible . . and an expectation that it is hauling a riding mower twice a year for service. Across town, not the kind of miles some of you are contemplating.

[rumdog]

Wow nice rig, low n long! And a bike hauler, sheesh! I gotta say nice metal work, and very creative gap filler... you're on to something there

[slowmover]

Would be nice to know more about this one. Was reminded of it earlier that a diesel TDI can pull an Airstream up to about 20' at over 30-mpg. Similar speeds to above. I don't know what the upper end is for the car, but this rig is just getting started.