Square "Teardrop". Are aerodynamics really important?

[DropTear]

Hello,

I'm considering purchasing an inexpensive microcamper to be pulled behind a V6 sedan with a 1,000 lb tow limit. Would like to build but don't really have the workspace, tools or time. The least expensive campers in my area are squarish.

Will the poor aerodynamics really make much of a difference for somethings so small (4'X8')? Shouldn't it mostly be in the vehicle's slipstream? Is the teardrop shape really just for aesthetics?

Here are a list of campers I'm considering. Any other thoughts on the campers below?

Trekker Trailer SquareOne
http://trekkertrailers.com/new-square-one-camper/

Runaway Camper CoolCamp
http://www.runawaycampers.com/pb/wp_7db ... 0e5a9.html

SignaTour Tote 4
http://www.signatourcampers.com/Sebring.html

Hoping to get some of your thoughts on these....

[wincrasher]

I would see if you can get a test tow to know how it will perform behind your car. You really never know until you try. You would think it would be entirely in the slipstream of your car, but that depends on the shape of your vehicle, and to a certain amount, the speed you are going. Some vehicles have a very turbulent zone right behind them, some don't.

The rounder you can go the better off you'll be - the last one you list has a rounded top section - that may be your best bet. Even if your car can handle the wind load, it may make a minor difference in your mileage.

Good luck and let us know how it goes.

[GuitarPhotog]

I can't comment on the aerodynamics, but it's interesting that all the trailers you linked to have air-conditioning, but no galley, and no provision for external access to storage. So everything (cooler, stove, etc) has to go in the tow vehicle.

Don't forget to include that weight in your GVW calculations.

<Chas>

[jss06]

The squared off back of the trailer also creates a low preasure area behind the trailer that will increase drag. The teardrop shape eliminates this low preasure area. Now how much an effect this will have is debateable. The trailer I built is squared off and it tows fine.

[tony.latham]

I can tell you this; we've got two vehicles, a Toyota Tacoma (our TV etc) and a Honda Fit. The Fit gets an honest 40 MPG on the highway until we put a ski rack on it and that knocks it down to 35 MPG. When I tow our 1300 pound teardrop with the Tacoma, I lose about 1 MPG –if I keep my speed down around 55 mph and if it's a flat drive.

jess06 is correct on the squared-off back of the trailer creating drag. I'd like to see a model of a teardrop behind my shelled Tacoma. Here's something to ponder:


Drag, weight, and chuck holes... our three road enemies.

Tony

[Socal Tom]

Have you check craigslist
http://pensacola.craigslist.org/rvs/4305689222.html
Tom

[Shadow Catcher]

Ours is 6' wide and it costs us 6 to 8 MPG.

[S. Heisley]

Mine has a squared off back but a somewhat rounded front. It is 5' wide, about 1100 lbs, ( I think Shadow Catchers weighs about the same) and costs me 4 MPG.

[DrCrash]

The Ben roy behind the Ford edge cost us 1mpg.

The big box camper behind the F150 cost us 10mpg.

The weight on the two campers is the same but the big one is 7 wide 6 tall and square backed. Look at my picture gallery to see the campers.

[Martiangod]

The 5 wide signatour looks pretty good, the front radius will help a lot in the aero department.
The flat back on all of them is an aero problem, but there are many things you can do to help there.
But at the weight of any of them that you posted, should not be a prob. The first on, square box one, Will be the least aero of the lot

[DropTear]

Thanks for all the great feedback. I test towed the first one (SquareOne) and my sedan towed it fine even at highway speeds over gentle hills. Didn't calculate the mpg but noticed the gas tank emptying significantly faster Andrew from Trekker Trailer would be happy to customize a galley or external storage areas but of course that would add to the cost and weight.

While they lose aerodynamics and looks, the squared shapes seem to have the benefit of simplicity, cost, and interior space. I'm guessing the mpg difference for sedans must be noticeable or why would so many people go through the trouble of making aerodynamic ones all these years. It's seems so much easier to make a box

Aside from cost, I like the five wide SignaTour too but with a dry weight of 860 lbs, it wouldn't have much room for cargo. How much cargo weight do you all normally carry?

[ParTaxer]

I would estimate 300lbs counting the mattress.

Mike W

[Rainier70]

Have you considered converting a small cargo trailer? Or even ordering one with windows and door put in?

[DropTear]

Have you considered converting a small cargo trailer? Or even ordering one with windows and door put in?

I don't really have the workspace, tools or time to do much work. Other than potentially saving a little money, are there any other advantages to converting a cargo trailer?

[Rainier70]

A small CT will be about the size of the campers that you are looking at. It won't be much more aerodynamic though. Weight will probably be close to the same. Yes, there would probably be some work involved. But there are some other advantages. First probably savings on cost. Second is that you can set it up to suit your needs. Third its versatility. Fourth is durability. Most cargo trailers are metal framed with seamless roofs. If you set it up to be modular, then you can still use the it to carry toys or other items when you need to.

You might take a look at some of the smaller ones that have been done in the cargo trailer conversion section.