Last Updated on October 14, 2022 by Douglas
The aerodynamics of a trailer is one of the most important factors that influence its fuel efficiency.
Aerodynamics can be improved by reducing the frontal area, which is the area of the trailer that is perpendicular to the direction of motion.
The more streamlined a trailer becomes, the less energy it takes to move it down the road. This will help reduce fuel consumption and emissions.
What is the most aerodynamic shape for a travel trailer?
Teardrop trailers, with the fat end right behind the car and the skinny end trailing away, are the most aerodynamic shape. If the top of the trailer is lower than the roofline of the vehicle towing it, that’s even better. The air will flow over the roof of both objects and swirl off the back end.[1]
How do you reduce drag on a trailer?
Adding 24- to 32-inch “boat tail” panels to the back of a trailer can help prevent the turbulent vacuum that tugs the vehicle backward and creates drag. Manufacturers claim that a trailer moving at 65 mph with a boat tail panel installed will save between 5% and 6% on fuel consumption.[2]
How do I make my RV more stable?
The best way to stop your travel trailer from rocking is by using a combination of leveling jacks which reduce up and down motion, stabilizers that reduce side to side motion, and wheel chocks to reduce any movement of the tires. Don’t Miss A Thing![3]
What are the most common problems with travel trailers?
Leaky Roof. Water leaks are pretty much inevitable when RVing. Electrical Issues. Just like your actual home, your RV is likely to run into electrical problems from time to time. Slide Out Problems.[4]
How can I make my travel trailer more efficient?
Cover vents. Use a skirt. Limit propane use. Check the windows. Add or replace insulation. Use the sun to your advantage. Insulate water lines. Choose where you’re going to stay.[5]
Are V nose trailers more aerodynamic?
The claim is that v-nose trailers are more aerodynamic and do not have a tendancy to sway as much as flat-fronted trailers. Travel trailers like the one pictured below seem to be the new industry trend, as manufacturers use every trick at their disposal to create more space with less length.[6]
Do travel trailer wind deflectors work?
They reduce energy loss through aerodynamic drag when towing an RV at highways speeds. Wind deflectors improve vehicle performance by reducing the air resistance of the trailer, which reduces fuel consumption. Coupling these with side pairings gets better results.[7]
Do trailer tails work?
Trailer tails alone have demonstrated a fuel savings of 1%–5%, and in concert with trailer skirts, 9% improvement has been demonstrated.[8]
Why do semi trailers have side skirts?
A side skirt, which fits between a semi-truck’s front and rear wheels, helps improve aerodynamics and is not intended for protection. Side skirts are usually made of fiberglass, aluminum or plastic, to give them flexibility, and reportedly improve fuel economy, which is why they’re used on large trucks hauling freight.[9]
Why is my travel trailer so bouncy?
Improper tire pressure, oversized trailer tires, stiff suspension, improper load balance or tongue length combined with the position of the axle can all be culprits. All parts of the towing system must be working together to keep the tires on the pavement and ensure a smooth ride.[10]
Why does my travel trailer bounce when parked?
The Ground Isn’t Solid Another reason why your travel trailer or fifth wheel might be rocking is because of the surface you are parked on. It doesn’t take much for an RV to rock around, and having your rig parked on anything other than flat, level asphalt or cement can leave much to be desired.[11]
What is the life expectancy of a travel trailer?
What is the average lifespan of a travel trailer? At a minimum, your travel trailer needs to be able to last for 10 years. You might be able to prolong its longevity and add about two to five years by taking good care of it. However, some travel trailers can last up to 30 years with proper usage.[12]