Cargo Trailer Aerodynamics

[SOLAMF]

I towed at least 40k miles with my hatchback, compared to driving a truck that much fuel savings more than paid for the trailer.. never stayed at KOA's, mostly improved state campgrounds with a few dispersed sites mixed in.. cost me about $0.10 a mile TCO by the time I out grew it.. was a super economical way to travel the country and car camp, but we grew tired of the setup and tear down times.. 10lbs of **** in a 5lb bag makes for alot of very precise packing.

another thing to look at if you just need a lil more cargo room is a motorcycle trailer, not for hauling motorcycles.. for towing with one, they will slipstream behind you fine, are super light and are turn key ready.

https://www.spacetrailers.com/ is what I had, kinda expensive but like I said.. FE savings more than paid for it.

You know, those space trailers are a pretty good deal considering how they are made and that they come with the top on them. They cover all my bases for a trailer, and they fold up out of the way? Perfect.

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[dreadlocks]

standing it up would be a bit of a challenge, I tried once and noped it outta that.. if you had a pulley and a hand winch it could be done solo I suspect.

wish I woulda taken more photos.. here it is before 4th of July weekend 2013, has a LP tank and a fridge on the tongue.. fishing pole holder off the side.


I still have it, just use it for hauling loads around.. however this summer I'm going to give it to my dad to pull behind his mini-camper-van.. here's me picking up my new custom front door shortly before I traded golf in.

 

[KIRBY]

Thanks, Dreadlocks, but I already have the 20 cu ft carrier and the 81 mph replacement tires. Just need the ball mount and the$278 utility trailer.

 

[NatersXJ6]

Watch the bearings too. I don’t know what tires you are changing to in order to achieve an 81 MPH rating, but check the limits on the trailer wheel bearings too. Or maybe just pack a spare in your toolkit?

 

[KIRBY]

GOOD SUGGESTION The trailer is rated to hold 1060 lbs I doubt I will be putting more than 500 lbs on it.
Won't hurt to carry a couple of spares.

 

[KIRBY]

81 MPH tires:

https://www.etrailer.com/Tires-and-Wheels/Taskmaster/TTWSF48012C.html

 

[dreadlocks]

try radials next time, mine came with bias ply and I went with higher load radials after I wore those out.. made a dramatic difference, was much smoother and tracked better at high speed.

 

[KIRBY]

OK, when these wear out.

 

[ITTOG]

try radials next time, mine came with bias ply and I went with higher load radials after I wore those out.. made a dramatic difference, was much smoother and tracked better at high speed.

Completely agree.

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[KIRBY]

Wish I could do this, but I need to keep the front wheels on the ground.

 

[KIRBY]

Seems it could do with a swivel wheel

 

[KIRBY]

NEW, SAFER IDEA FOR RETRACTABLE BALL MOUNT.

 

[dreadlocks]

hey pass whatever your high on over here, quit bogarting it..

You've gone well past over thinking this and are now into danger zone.. spending $3k to save $20 in fuel is kinda pointless.. and nothing is going to change the fact your still towing with a prius.. at least my car was a diesel, I was passing countless overladen prisues in the mountains and getting better fuel economy than them.

 

[KIRBY]

Also, if I want to lower the trailer a few inches, what are the disadvantages of mounting the axle above, rather than below, the leaf springs?

 

[KIRBY]

I see you are in Denver. How are those mushrooms?
Oh, yeah, that DC Gearmotor is $56.