Which Trailer shape is better??

[Hersbird]

metrompg put up a simple front hinged popup design in my introduction thread that may be acceptable. The box over box I am still thinking on, there is a company that makes the "high-low" that is I think the style you are talking about. We have used a tent popup in a snowstorm in Yellowstone and it did OK, I'm not totally against the canvas/vinyl would also consider tip out rooms and such, I would like to be able to have some usuable space w/o a full setup like at a highway pullout so unless the high-low is really fast and simple, I'm not sure.

[freebeard]

I'm not sure why I hadn't seen the thread while it was still active. The OP's last post was in Nov 2012, but since the thread was bumped, I'll add this. It addresses your concern.



I think aerohead orignially posted this. Obviously the lower wall is pretty thin. Entry probably in the truncated rear.

[skyking]

something like that indeed.
Example:
XPS foam can be had in varying densities.
The common stuff is 1.5 Lb/cu. ft.
You can make a 2" thick lid, 2' high by 14' long by 6.5' wide with 172 sq foot of XPS.
172 x .166 = 28.5 cu. ft. x 1.5 = ~43 pounds of foam.
Add a generous 50 yards of 6 oz glass and a couple of gallons of epoxy and paint and this lid still weighs in under 100 pounds.
Unlatch, step inside and lift one end and then the other. Make a tripping catch to keep it up there until you can insert a couple of pins.
I'm not fond of fabric when it sweats and drips, mildews, has to be dried out after a soggy trip. Been there done that.
This type of lid will have R10 insulation as well as strength.

[skyking]

2007 sedona is 69.5" high.
By lowering the trailer from 94" to 70" now it is in trail and adds no frontal area, if you get creative with the fairings.
Pop out a 3 panel folding boat tail on the trailer and it should perform admirably.

[Hersbird]

Isn't the problem with that vw trailer and so many other bullet shaped trailers is that they are almost backward. The tow rig is already pushing the wind, the tailer just needs to close it.
Also seems like the top should be outside the bottom if nothing else it sheds water better when up.

I'm going to research the building materials you are talking about skyking. I was going to try and keep a flat 4x6 area of the roof for solar panels, basically 3 100 watt panels about 55 pounds. Removable while camped but also providing some juice while driving.

You guys are certainly on the ball with this stuff, I appreciate that seeing as how I have trouble getting to sleep thinking about all the ways of doing this. I'm already sleeping better!

[skyking]

Definitely box over box, that is just common sense.
My much larger design necessitates a power roof mechanism but yours does not.
I was thinking an inflatable seal, but simple "pool noodles" or something similar can be put into the gap to keep out the breeze and bugs. A large soft rope would do.
I plan on a 2" overlap when up. That plus a good seal will keep that R10 insulation.

[freebeard]

Isn't the problem with that vw trailer and so many other bullet shaped trailers is that they are almost backward. The tow rig is already pushing the wind, the tailer just needs to close it.
Also seems like the top should be outside the bottom if nothing else it sheds water better when up.

There's a current thread—"Kamm-back" (K-form)... that's relevant to this. Like the Airstream Basecamp it gives you a place to put the door. "Faster backwards" is a meme you will see crop up here occasionally. A rounded nose has benefit in crosswinds.

I think they lapped the top inside to protect the windows in transit.

55lb not counting the battery? Holding tanks (plural)? Water is heavy. If you ask MetroMPG nicely he can merge this thread with your intro or vice versa.

[Hersbird]

Yeah 55 pounds just on the roof for solar, 2 6 volt golf cart batteries and controller down on the floor. Water is pretty easy to find and add so I wouldn't carry more then 10-15 gallons. Also one regular propane tank, a 5000 but AC and a Yamaha 2000 generator 5 gallons of gas. I know weight is bad but not as bad as unhappy wife and daughter. Oh who am I kidding? I'm the old man in this operation.

PS, did I mention mini fridge full of drinks?

[aerohead]

here's a link to some drag tables for trailers:
Full-boat-tail trailer for T-100
page-25,#248 permalink.
I tried to link it but it didn't work.Sorry!

[freebeard]

http://ecomodder.com/forum/showthrea...tml#post294074

Do you use the Insert Link button? How does it fail? The biggest pitfall is when it appends rather than overwriting the h**p:// as in:

http://http://ecomodder.com/forum/sh...tml#post294074

Just trying to help.