A quick Aerodynamics question and Weight study of my DIY camper

[E18]

A quick Aerodynamics question and Weight diststudy of my DIY truck camper.

what is the best A over B Ratio for better aerodynamics? My diy build will be steel tubes instead of wood frames.
I know best to do a pop-up camper instead! Tough decision.


also a quick weight distribution study before I build it. What’s your thoughts when you see this simple weight distribution study? I expect to make a lot of mistakes so planning to spend 80% time to design and research and ask questions, 20% time to build it. There is a project clock (day 4 today) to prevent me from procrastination.

 

[rruff]

what is the best A over B Ratio for better aerodynamics?

They will be poor with square edges. You'll get massive flow separation at either the front or where it meets the roof (or both).

Generous rounding of all edges/corners will help the most. But that could be tough with the materials you are using.

 

[socceronly]

Are those rivets and welds? Just curious how that is assembled.

So the hard corners make that much of a difference? I am leaning on the side of simplicity. I want to camp and travel next summer but almost nothing I order will be available. So I would rather lose some mileage and get out the door than sit and wait.

But perhaps I need to rethink that if it will murder all the penguins in Antarctica

 

[high-and-dry]

When my camper is complete, which has square edges, I plan on a mileage test. I know my truck gets 18mpg. I have a 65 mile route planned out that will have me on back roads, with speeds from 25 to 60 mph for about 32 miles or so, then highway for the remainder with speed limit of 70 mph. I know its only 65 miles but it should give a good idea of what it will get.

 

[rruff]

So the hard corners make that much of a difference?

Supposedly. If you want it to be simple, you could just make the cabover come straight out and build a "nose" with rounded edges that attaches to the front. What materials will you use for the camper?

 

[john61ct]

You save a lot more fuel just slowing down a bit

radical concept I know

 

[billiebob]

Aerodynamics are important at Interstate speeds but 50mph and under they are far less important. So the big question, when hauling the camper what speeds will you be doing? If you plan Michigan to Moad or Georgia to California aerodynamics will be important but if you plan to explore your own state aerodynamics become much less important.

For cabover strength, triangulate the red cabover box.

 

[ITTOG]

In that photo A and B can be any numbers you want and be flat or be a vertical wall. A over B doesn't tell you anything. It is the angle that matters.

 

[Kmrtnsn]

That front bulkhead can be completely vertical since you’re overlooking all of the drag generated by the rear.

 

[vintageracer]

This all neat and kool to consider, discuss and dream about HOWEVER to "Me" it sure looks alot like a "Dollar looking for a Penny"!

 

[E18]

Wow, thanks for all who responded.Day 6 of my DIY pickup truck slide in camper build. The bad news is way over my $3k budget initially planned. The $4,560 does not include mattress (memory foam) yet, no batteries, no solar panel, no inverter, etc. 2 good news: (1) It has better aerodynamics vs my original design, because it will be a wedge tent above and a queen size bed above my double cabin, only 6” tall for the top. (2) it will be built all aluminum and no wood

 

[E18]

much appreciated for these drawings! Yes, will try rounding the corners to get better aerodynamics.

Supposedly. If you want it to be simple, you could just make the cabover come straight out and build a "nose" with rounded edges that attaches to the front. What materials will you use for the camper?

 

[E18]

I will be towing a boat most of the trips, so 55 to 60 mph.

You save a lot more fuel just slowing down a bit

radical concept I know

 

[john61ct]

 

[john61ct]

I will be towing a boat most of the trips, so 55 to 60 mph.

Do you mean that towing a boat requires a higher speed?