Question on cargo trailer design

[Okie-Go]

I am going to buy a cargo trailer but don't know what kind. I want one with the V nose to help with wind resistance but they cost more. Has anyone pulled one of these vs the flat front's to see a big difference with the fuel effiency. It seems logical the more aerodynamic the better the fuel milage. I think I have decided on a 6x12 tandem axle. Will be hauling the motorcycle and luggage on trips to keep from climbing in and out of the truck. Any thoughts or insight appreciated.

 

[wyosteve]

I've pulled both. A v-nose 17 foot dual axle Haulmark and a 20 ft. flat front Wells Cargo. Couldn't tell any difference. fwiw

 

[JJ Jackson]

Take a look at enclosed snowmobile trailers.



They have a front ramp at the V-Nose that you can fold down without unhooking the trailer. Plus you can ride out the front instead of backing down the rear ramp.



We have a 25ft Wells Cargo V-nose.



We pull it behind the camper, so I can't comment on wind resistance :-laf .





... ... ... ... ... ... . Jim

 

[JayWm]

I regularly pull a 20 foot box trailer with a flat front, no slope at all. I also regularly tow a 7x14 cargo trailer with a v nose. I see about a 2mpg difference in fuel mileage. Now keep in mind that the 20ft box is almost 9 feet tall from the ground to the top of the roof. It's 8. 5 feet wide and carrys a full size car plus gear. It weighs about 7-8k. The other trailer carrys 5 racing karts. Dunno what it weighs, I'd guess about 3-4k. My point being is that with such a big difference in trailers, ie; size, weight, height, shape I was expecting to see a bigger change in fuel mileage. I suspect that part of my issue is that I tow at 65-70mph or faster if I'm in Neveda. I doubt you will see a big difference in mileage between a v nose and straight nose.



Jay

 

[y-knot]

I have had many different enclosed trailers, with the most recent one being a V-nose trailer. I really like them, they do pull easier, and are not as effected by cross-winds or semi's. Mine is 2 foot taller then stock, so it has a lot more hieght then most. They cost more but their is a reason, they are better.

 

[Buffalo]

U-Haul did a study on trailer shapes, awhile back, & discovered that "radiusing (rounding)" the edges & corners made the trailers more aerodynamic.



If you can only find a flat front trailer, there is a company that makes a "bubble" that mounts on the front of flat trailers. It fits near the top half of the trailer. The rounded shape is supposed to cut through the air better.



Joe F. (Buffalo)

 

[y-knot]

Those bubbles are stupid, and a poor subsitute for getting the right trailer to begin with. They amount to a large sheet of plastic form into a bubble and attached with a few screws. I would think you would be lucky to keep it in one piece long enough for the bank statement to come in on the card you purchased it with. I've seen simular items along the road side. get the right trailer to do the job.

 

[Buffalo]

Y-knot,



If you will re-read my second paragraph, it says" If you can ONLY find a flat front trailer". In other words, if the perfect trailer is not available & you have to choose second best (flat front trailer) the bubble may be a reasonable alternative. I went on to say, " The rounded shape is SUPPOSED to cut through the air better. "



Your comment regarding the plastic bubble not staying in one piece long enough for the bank statement to arrive is interesting. I have noticed those bubbles for years & can honestly say that I have never seen one broken & have never seen one laying on the side of the road. That doesn't mean that it can't happen but, I have never seen any in the conditions that you have mentioned.



I agree with you that the V-nosed shape looks to be more aerodynamic than the bubble. But, if Okie-Go can't find what he's looking for in the V-nose, and can find an acceptable unit in the flat front, then the bubble may help make that shape a bit more aerodynamic.



Joe F. (Buffalo)

 

[y-knot]

Today there are just to many trailer manufacturers out there to NOT find what you want. If I is up to the task of looking, they will find it. I also live very close to several major expressways, and I see many types of trailer areodynamic devisees lying in the median. Bubbles, wings you name it, but I have never seen the V of a V-nose trailer lying there in the weeds. Most cheesy bolt-on items like the bubble, and not worth the time it took to install them.

 

[Okie-Go]

I think I have decided on a 7x14 tandem axle. I talked to some dealers and was also told either the v nose or the round top is best. I am leaning to the round-top, brakes on both axles, 2 5/16 ball, side door and rampgate with lights on the inside for 3895. Has two 3500lb axles can haul up to 5k in it. A little bigger than needed but think it might come in handy.