Really need advice

[xxclaro]

Hey guys, I'm hoping you can help me out here. I built a trailer last year that I hope to use as a portable refrigerated unit, if I can get it to tow. I started with a tent trailer base, and built an insulated box on it. All went well until I tried towing it...its like having a parachute tied to the truck! I expected it wouldn't be great, but its really not useable as is. The truck(06 GMC 1500 5.3L) will pretty much stay in 3rd gear if I get above about 50mph. I realize the aerodynamics are awful on this trailer, but had hoped that due to it being veryu light and pretty small it would be ok. Its not. The trailer is only about 6x8, but the box portion is just over six feet tall and stands probably 18 inches off the ground. I have pics but can't post till I have a higher post count.

My plan right now is to build a v-nose on to it, as long as possible without interfering with the jack. Considering some sort of boat-tail as well, or maybe a deflector on top at the back? Any help is very much appreciated, as I'm at a bit of a loss here. If I don't get this thing to tow at least reasonably well, it'll end up staying home as a stationary cooler, which would be a waste. My truck gets about 18mpg empty, and towing the trailer empty cuts that about in half. I spent a fair bit of time building it, so I really want it to work. Thanks in advance.

[nimblemotors]

Sounds much worse than just poor aero.
Are you sure the wheel bearings are good and axle is aligned?

[California98Civic]

We need pics. I'm sure the moderators will be alright with you posting up a few dummy posts to get to the 5 post minimum to attach photos. Photos will help a lot.

[xxclaro]

Yeah I used it as a flat deck trailer for a couple years first, and it pulled great. I put in brand new bearings and races before building the box too. I really can't understand why it pulls as terribly as it does, I know its got bad aero's but I see lots of trailers and truck campers/boxes that aren't much better.

[Frank Lee]

I know its got bad aero's but I see lots of trailers and truck campers/boxes that aren't much better.

And they are paying for it. The usual "solution" is to throw more horsepower at it.

[Joggernot]

Try putting a couple hundred pounds on the hitch triangle and try again. Might just be a weight distribution problem.

[Daox]

I've bumped up your post count so you can post pictures and add links. I think pictures would be a good idea.

[2000mc]

Offhand I would think a topper as tall as the trailer would help.
Have you read through this? --> http://ecomodder.com/forum/showthrea...ing-32190.html Aerohead posted lots of informative trailering images there

[xxclaro]

Thanks guys, I'll put up a couple pics so you can see what we are dealing with

Thats the truck I'm using as well, so I have the cap on already.


So there it is...I call it the IceCube....
I used to work at a dealership that sold trailers doing repairs and customizing, so I've pulled a lot of different trailers with different tow vehicles, and this thing is unlike anything I've pulled. I tried putting weight in the front to see if that helped, with no luck. I have to laugh everytime I pull it, is so ridiculously bad!
I was looking at it today and I really don't think I have enough room on the tongue to make a significant v-nose. Best I could do is maybe build a short addition at the front with a short sloped portion up top and try to angle the sides a little to break the sharp edge. I just don't know if it'll make enough difference to make it workable.

[Frank Lee]

The razor-sharp leading edges are ruining the aero. The simple fix is to attach half-rounds to the front.

A folding or fixed tail would work wonders especially after the front gets radiused.