Foamie aerodynamics.

[Bogo]

OK, here is a drawing I found of the Prius rear suspension. There are some differences in later ones, but not much.

Notice the two coil over shock units. They are to the inside of the wheels, and stick up. They would stick above the floor. They might be replaceable with air bags. Another detail is the cross beam. It would work partially as a stabilizer bar.

Because of the coil over shock units intruding into my limited floor space, I think I'd stay with using a torsion axle for now. It is a complete bolt in unit with simple mounting. Also it is a standard off the shelf part so replacements should be easily found.

[Wobbly Wheels]

You're right that the struts wouldn't be used. Airbags would work or, more simply, a pair of coils damped with shocks. You'd have to weld the coil seats onto the axle and underside of the frame, hence my comment about the fab skills required.
If not, hopefully you can find a hub adapter to make the combination work...

[DriverOne]

If the hub is thick enough, just drill 4 new holes in the new bolt pattern of your chosen wheel. No adapter required.

[ghcoe]

Lots of good info here....

http://www.jcs-group.com/racin/guide/draft.html

[GPW]

GH, that is great info ... I love this line .... “ A fundamental fact of aerodynamic life is that drag increases with the square of the speed. In other words, when you double the speed, you quadruple the drag.” ... the main thing to remember...

[mezmo]

I recently came across these two TTTs on a South African auction
site and thought they had good approaches to '"aero-ness" that could
be emulated in a Foamie build.

Click on pics to make them larger.

This fiberglass 'slouchy' has flat/slightly-curved panels that'd fit within
the cross-sectional area of a tow vehicle and it looks like there's an attempt
at a Kamm-back too.



This is a less 'elegant' design but it compresses the trailer's initial frontal
to fit within the cross-sectional area of a tow vehicle and the top curves
back up to the trailer's roof level, while the front sides flair[flare?] out to
trailer's full width. The edges/joins of the different panels also have
radii of what looks like 1-2-3 inches depending on location.



Cheers,
Norm/mezmo

[GPW]

Just thinking everybody here now Knows what to do to cut down on Drag... we’ll never get rid of it all , but every little bit helps eh ...

[atahoekid]

I recently came across these two TTTs on a South African auction
site and thought they had good approaches to '"aero-ness" that could
be emulated in a Foamie build.

Click on pics to make them larger.

This fiberglass 'slouchy' has flat/slightly-curved panels that'd fit within
the cross-sectional area of a tow vehicle and it looks like there's an attempt
at a Kamm-back too.



This is a less 'elegant' design but it compresses the trailer's initial frontal
to fit within the cross-sectional area of a tow vehicle and the top curves
back up to the trailer's roof level, while the front sides flair[flare?] out to
trailer's full width. The edges/joins of the different panels also have
radii of what looks like 1-2-3 inches depending on location.



Cheers,
Norm/mezmo

I think that top one would be an easy build. No curves, just flat panels. Maybe lose some of the windows to make for an easier build. I like the angular shape. Pretty aerodynamic too!

[loaderman]

Wedge/angled noses are actually not aerodynamic. sure would be easier to make though.
curves are aerodynamic.

[Ned B]

Here's a much larger trailer that I thought I'd toss out there just to give you ideas...

I owned one of these awhile back. 27' long queen bed in the nose, galley and living room in the back, walk through 3/4 bath in the middle. no, that's not my trailer, just one similar to what I owned.

[Ned B]

Here you go foamie fans...

http://www.airflowtruck.com/New_Build_Pics.html

scroll down to see foam in action!

[GPW]

Sorta' looks like we should consider the shapes of Boats , flipped upside down ...

[loaderman]

Thanks.

Also the back plays a major role in aerodynamics, it must taper to the rear. That's why teardrops are great. Now the angle and proportions of the taper do matter, just can't find the numbers anywhere so far.

[GPW]

How about something like this ...

[angib]

That's all styling without much aerodynamics involved in it, except the side skirts on the trailer, though even they aren't very well done - why don't they at least line up?

No attempt to match the tractor and trailer shapes, left the bad 'flip' spoiler all round the tractor - it's a dog's dinner of a job.