To V or not to V!!

[Wookie97]

Well I think I have decided on the brand and style of trailer to buy but now is another question, V-Nose or normal Flat with rounded corners. Here is the trailer I am looking at:

8.5' x 25' Snowmobile trailer with inside height of 7'.
Tandem axle (Dexter 5,200lb torsion style)
Fully insulated

One of the reason for a Snowmobile trailer is it already has plenty of ground clearance for going in to the mountains and would save me from having to do a conversion. I know there is not going to be any pulling difference, in regards to drag between the two. Im probably just getting picky but is there any arguments on why not to use a V-nose or why I should? I've seen many different builds on this site and have come across a mix of both. In my mind I think it comes down to personal preference more than anything. Yes you might gain a little more room up front by having a flat front but if your now worried about room is there any other argument as to why or why not. The dealer can order any style I want and has a really good price for this set up.

[Padilen]

What happened to this http://tnttt.com/viewtopic.php?t=62499?

[Wookie97]

There I was comparing the two types of trailers, Snowmobile vs standard V-nose. I went to another dealer today and liked the Snowmobile set up they had on the lot. After talking with them for awhile they said they could order that exact trailer but without the extra ramp on the front and in a flat face with rounded corners. Now I was just asking if anyone had any input on the Why or Why not to go with a V-nose trailer. I had never really thought of not going with a V till today. Just curious if there is any argument on why or why not.

[Gonefishin]

I have a V. I'm glad I have it because my trailer is only a 6X12, and I got the extra space in the v, which I use every square inch of! I would be very cramped in a regular 6X12 with my layout. However, I am jealous of those with a standard nose who can use the extra tongue space outside for propane tanks, multiple batteries, and other items. See the tongue box thread. It has lots of ideas, many of which I can't make use of.

So, if I did it over again and got a 12-footer, I'd still get the v-nose. If I ever get a 7X14, which I consider from time to time, I'd probably get the standard nose and use the extra tongue space for a tongue box with propane, batteries, etc. Maybe anyway.

But those are the considerations. Do you want more space inside in the V, or more tongue space without the v? If for some strange reason I ever decided I wanted a monstrosity of a 18 footer, or a 25 footer, then the inside space would be the least of my concerns, and I'd want space for a large tongue box for the outside items. No v.

[wanabxtrm]

I'm using a snowmobile designed trailer which you can find in it's slow stages of build here. The only thing I have found a concern with having a deep V has been what you want to put on the 'tongue'. You'll need to find space for outside items such as a battery(unless you get a sealed one) propane/fuel (or go gas less) and generator/tools/miscellaneous items. You can debate the areo effects.

So far my only thing I haven't overcome happily was had I had a flat front I'd have used a mini-split heat pump. Instead I used a portable self contained interior one. You can also obviously go the normal route and put it on your roof though too.

Anyway I'd vote for the V. Dual ramps came in handy during our move south to La this past summer too.

[Wookie97]

Thanks for the input. Not to overly worried about room on the tongue. There is another thread on here where the guy built in a trap door that held the batteries. It was sealed and vented so there wasn't a concern for gases entering the trailer. As for propane, there is another thread where they built a hanger on the tongue that was still able to hold two bottles. The more I think about it I am leaning toward the V-Nose. For the inside Im not overly concerned with how much room I use up front. Still plan on keeping it pretty compact but if I use an extra foot or two I wont be upset. Thanks again for all the input. Its going to take about 6 weeks for this one to come in once I place the order then all the fun begins.

[bc toys]

If it was me I would go with V nose I have a 6x10 v and will never go back to flat front yes the drag is big difference least for me.

[AZ_Desert_Rat]

Hi Wookie97,
1st) I went with the 6x10 rounded front (about a 4" - 6" belly) with a short tongue for a specific use ... I wanted a short trailer with room for a battery and 20# LP bottle on the tongue for off-road use. However, I may very well make some other choices today.

Like others, I also believe that the V-nose would reduce drag ... my trailer is 6-1/2' inside and raised ~10", giving me close to 24" ground clearance ... this extra height (~30" over the height of my old K-5 Blazer with 33" tires) resulted in a significant drag and fuel consumption issue ... to help, I installed a wind wing to reduce drag and give me a solid 3 mpg improvement in my gas mileage.

As far as tongue space, if your dealer/manufacturer is like mine was, they can and will be glad to add quite a bit to the tongue, giving you both ... a V-nose and tongue space for a box, tank or two, and a battery, your spare, etc.

I had the manufacturer make a number of changes to my trailer ... tongue length, axle, springs, trailer height, door size & position, screen door, extra frame bracing, windows, extra wall studs and ceiling framing, skid plates, roof vents, etc. and suggest that you decide on what you think you want and may want ... then, set up a meeting with your manufacturer and discuss everything ... remember, he builds them, but he also does not mind charging for modifications to the base model.


Good luck...