Trailer Hitch Boat Tail?

[beatr911]

Superchow, I look forward to spotting you around town. Congratulations on the house - a great time to buy!

[superchow]

I'll keep a lookout for your truck!

Ecomodders... unite!

[wagonman76]

Originally Posted by superchow

I find the idea of the "strap to the hatchback/trunk" boat tail even more cunning. I have a bicycle carrier that could be repurposed...

Yes, providing a full boat tail starting half way down the rear glass would be preferable... But then the trunk may not be accessible.

Thats something Ive been thinking about for quite awhile, using bike rack hooks to strap to the trunk lid. That way it wouldnt damage it and would be totally reversible, plus would come off to use the trunk.

I had this idea today too. Make it a 2 piece deal. I guess a picture would be worth 1000 words, but here goes. The top half would contain the part bridging the back window to the lip of the trunk lid. It would have an attachment point at each corner of the trunk lid. It would have a pivot at the back end and latch at the front end, so when you open the trunk, you can pivot the assembly up so it doesnt crash through the back window. The bottom half would attach (at least on mine) to existing bolt holes on the steel bumper and would continue the slope down to a relocated license plate and lights. Instead of trying to relocate the lights, I was thinking of using a set of trailer lights and trailer plug, so it would be easy to remove if needed.

[bbjsw10]

Originally Posted by superchow

We currently get about 37-38mpg on the freeway. 40 mpg would justify the undertaking, 45mpg at high freeway speeds would earn me a back massage from wifey.

"Help me Ecomodder.com, you are my only hope!"

I am just wondering what 50mpg is!...? And great idea on trailer hitch boat-tail!!

[ac6404]

man...when I think unicorn, I think removable full boat tail, extra storage w/ auxilary batteries for long trips with hybrids, all covered in solar cells...

its nice to dream sometimes

[aerohead]

The boat tail on my CRX was like a glove.
The unit was fabricated 'on' the car and 'slipped' on or off as requirements dictated.
The holes where the original deck spoiler mounted received 'riv-nut' 1/4 -20 fastener heads which go on like a pop-rivet.
The unit had an electrical umbilical just like a trailer for the lights,was slipped on after the license plate was repositioned onto the tail,then fastened at the hatch location,and also at the rear wheel openings into the rear fascia,sharing screw fasteners( backed by speed nuts) with the rear wheel skirts.
The downside was the loss of access to the hatch when installed,which could have been engineered for.I was just willing to load things in and out through the doors on trips.
I used felt to cushion the attachment point against the car's finish.
After a number of locals crashed their shopping carts into the car I cared less and less about the car's appearance.I had paid cash for it and didn't have to worry about pleasing anyone or maintaining a 'factory' look.
The receiver-hitch is a nice way to go.Also,there are some really nice ( and strong ) bicycle racks which would make good non-permanent tail attachment possible.Just keep the weight down.

[bombloader]

I've thought about the same thing for the Jeep. Possibly in the form of a single axle trailer, it would help with two problems, poor aerodynamics and lack of interior room.