Minnesota newbie in the design and planning stage. How wide?

[rainman0]

Toby,

I have often wondered if 4 vs 5 wide made much difference in mileage. Most cars, including my Jetta sportwagen, are about 5 ft. wide. In theory it should punch an initial 5 foot wide hole in the air which starts to collapse but the tear then re-opens. The turbulent air should be easier for the tear to re-open then if it had to do the initial breaking. I wonder how much extra drag that extra 6 inches per side makes.

What ever it is I for one will not give up my 6 inches of bed.


Gary

I certainly am no authority on the subject, and it really is what you as an individual want. My son Pete's is as wide as his minivan, and his mileage drops tremendously. He also brings ALOT of stuff.
I may have gone 5', and never known the difference, but a "true" teardrop is 4' and that's what we wanted. If we build again, we would probably go for the 5'. Now, if we had a "Finn" to fit in, we would definitely go with the 5'.
Hope Cheri's treatment is going well. Maybe we'll see you in June.

[Roly Nelson]

My first was a 4 wide, and the width of the bed was no problem for the sweet wife and I. Now that I am camping alone, I recently built a 40 inch wide model. It's lighter and narrower and I love it. I like the fact that unlike the 5 wides, the protruding fenders on either side pose no problems during parking or turning. Remember, there is less waste of material when building 4 wide vs 5 wide. Just my 2 scents, oops I mean cents?
Roly~~

[electronicx]

Do you have a link to any info about the meet in Pine City?

Welcome to the madness!

If you join the Tearjerkers, make sure you check out the calendar for the St. Croix Chapter (Minnesota & Wisconsin) for campouts & gatherings. Lots of great people & opportunities to meet other teardroppers.

Here is the link: http://tearjerkers.net/forums/viewtopic.php?p=10105#10105

Hope to meet you at Pine City!

Betsey

Welcome Collin,
What part of Mn?
We've used our 4' for many enjoyable miles. But, if you think you need the extra foot, go for it. I would be concerned as far as towing goes. My HHR didn't even like the 4'er. Really effected the mileage. It was rated for 1000lbs., and felt every one of them.
Hope you can make the Pine City gathering.

Im registered for the forum. My name is Collin. Ive got some parts already and more are on the way so I guess the process has started. Im going to go with the 5 foot wide so the dogs can come too.

I live on the Shoreview Circle Pines border (County J). I bought the 5' wide trailer from Northern Tool. Ive got the floor done and am waiting for the weather to be nice enough to get some materials to start on the walls.

[rainman0]

Hope to meet you in Pine City.