Let's see your Travel Trailer Combo's

[Jetboy]

The problem is that a teardrop trailer has very little in common with a NACA foil shape. The curvature is far too much for laminar air flow at highway speeds. It's closer to a circular shape than it is to a typical ideal foil. The fineness ratio should be like 6:1 or higher and at least on my teardrop that is pretty similar to a lot of them it's less than 2:1. Mine specifically is 10:6 - and it's only about 75% of the height of a full shape, so it's really not that far off of being 1:1 if you continued the shape all the way around.

As strange as it looks, I think airstream probably got about as close as you can get in this size balancing form and function with the basecamp. I mean shape to volume balance, I think it's interior layout sucks.

 

[Donkey]

Our R-pod 182G sitting in line for the not so glamorous part, dumping the tanks.

We have camped most of the summer weekends, it tows like a dream with the e2 WDH. Honestly, on the flat interstate, I forget it is back there sometimes. I started towing around 52k miles, now closing in on 70k. Recently changed every fluid, some for the second time, the transmission fluid was dark and needed to be changed. I watch the temps closely and with one exception (prolonged steep grade, 30 MPH, 231 degrees converter temp) the transmission temperatures never stray from those I see in bumper to bumper traffic. Brake pads at 3-4mm, almost time.

Our only regret is not getting it sooner.

 

[Trixx]

More of an Off Road trailer than a travel trailer but thought I'd add to the thread. I've towed it 5000 miles in the last month. Have ranged from 13-18mpg towing. It's probably around 1800 lbs loaded. In fact - I'm lying in the RTT as I type this on our way from Banff back to the states to start the continental divide.

 

[jthoms1]

Here she is...

This is a 1947 Bantam T3C that I restored. The rusty green shot was its original state. The tireless brown shot is post sand blasting and then the balance of the shots are it’s current state.

 

[Toffees]

I mean we could figure it out, get some coefficient of drag numbers between the different shapes? lol jk, its been too long since i sat in Aerodynamics classes.

I only sat in one, and it never got too far into numbers, so I can't help you with more than theory.

 

[Toffees]

The problem is that a teardrop trailer has very little in common with a NACA foil shape. The curvature is far too much for laminar air flow at highway speeds. It's closer to a circular shape than it is to a typical ideal foil. The fineness ratio should be like 6:1 or higher and at least on my teardrop that is pretty similar to a lot of them it's less than 2:1. Mine specifically is 10:6 - and it's only about 75% of the height of a full shape, so it's really not that far off of being 1:1 if you continued the shape all the way around.

As strange as it looks, I think airstream probably got about as close as you can get in this size balancing form and function with the basecamp. I mean shape to volume balance, I think it's interior layout sucks.

Longitundinal and horizontal cross section are very different in regards to airflow. Most airplanes have a horizontal cross section that approaches a sausage, at least concerning the fuselage, and the cross section of your 4R is already larger than your teardrop. Some newer aircraft like the Citation X (below) are designed so that the fuselage narrows where the engine pods are installed; total cross section size is more important than shape in this regard.

If you're worried about laminar/turbulent flow on your teardrop, you could also play with vortex generators and see if there are any effects. (Probably none that are noticeable, I'd guess, because total weight probably has more effect on mpg than trailer aerodynamics). *Although if you stuck a teardrop and a similar weight square trailer behind a small car, like a Corolla, I bet you'd notice the airflow effects.

 

[Ducmonsta]

What kind of camp table is that? How do you like it?

It's an Alps Mountaineering Guide Table. Absolutely love it!
https://smile.amazon.com/ALPS-Mount...=8-1&keywords=alps+mountaineering+guide+table

 

[Ohio_Steve]

We just picked up our new Hiker 5X8 Deluxe on Thursday. Now to make it my own!

 

[iwanvds]

Since camping season is about to begin, here's ours:

2006 4Runner SR5 4x4
added Firestone Coil Rite kit to the rears for a nicer ride.

Jayco JayFlight X19H

 

[teotwaki]

This is the trailer I travel with off road. Full suspension, 20 gallon stainless steel water tank, solar charged battery system, Fiamma awning, full suspension, electric brakes, RTT, large cargo box and a fully articulating hitch.
Sun To The North: My Expedition Vehicle & Trailer

A very windy desert day!

 

[WhiteBoomer04]

This is the trailer I travel with off road. Full suspension, 20 gallon stainless steel water tank, solar charged battery system, Fiamma awning, full suspension, electric brakes, RTT, large cargo box and a fully articulating hitch.
Sun To The North: My Expedition Vehicle & Trailer

Hey Jim :bravo:

 

[Muskrat14]

Great thread. I’ve spoiled the wife over the years. We camped a ton as youngsters. Rented a pop up for a PSU football weekend. Made the most oof booking the campground too late and got stuck in a dumpy campground. She was not impressed. Next morning she looked at me and said, “get me out of this F’in tin can.” Haha. Still working on her n shot her a bunch of pics from this post. 16-17’ mini or micro Winnie would be perfect.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Fltslr]

Anyone have any tips on picking up a trailer? I want something I can take down rough roads and can sleep about 4-6

Check out the Boreas x12.

 

[Double_M]

2017 Starcraft 19BHS
3700 lbs dry

We typically stay at National & Provincial parks as a base camp and love to trek out from there on day trips or hang in the parks.


On the way to Quebec - July 2019 by Mark McGraw, on Flickr

Kouchibouguac NP by Mark McGraw, on Flickr

2020 Summer vacay July 25, 2020 (189 of 367) by Mark McGraw, on Flickr

Gaspesie Parc - Quebec July 15, 2019 (209 of 414) by Mark McGraw, on Flickr

Starry night at Fundy Park by Mark McGraw, on Flickr

 

[paddlenbike]

No more travel trailer for me, I jumped on the van life train. This thing will actually get mid-20 MPGs, but is too tall to go where a 4Runner and adventure trailer can.

 

[RichinRidgewood]

2017 Starcraft 19BHS
3700 lbs dry

We typically stay at National & Provincial parks as a base camp and love to trek out from there on day trips or hang in the parks.


On the way to Quebec - July 2019 by Mark McGraw, on Flickr

Kouchibouguac NP by Mark McGraw, on Flickr

2020 Summer vacay July 25, 2020 (189 of 367) by Mark McGraw, on Flickr

Gaspesie Parc - Quebec July 15, 2019 (209 of 414) by Mark McGraw, on Flickr

Starry night at Fundy Park by Mark McGraw, on Flickr

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Beautiful. The Wife and I were supposed to go to New Brunswick, PEI, Newfoundland, Nova Scotia but the Wuhan stopped us. We really miss that trip were were supposed to take

 

[steraser]

Nice trailers! What recommendations do you all have for WDH hitches/air bags/SumoSprings? We just ordered a Sol Horizon Rover (won't be here until May) with a dry weight of 3350lbs. Hoping my 2021 TRD Pro will be here by then--if not, I will be towing with my 06 Limited V6 for a bit.

 

[Sky]

Nice trailers! What recommendations do you all have for WDH hitches/air bags/SumoSprings? We just ordered a Sol Horizon Rover (won't be here until May) with a dry weight of 3350lbs. Hoping my 2021 TRD Pro will be here by then--if not, I will be towing with my 06 Limited V6 for a bit.

I like the Fastway E2 WDH's. I have 2 of them in different capacities.
Many screw up buying too heavy of a rated WDH- if the bars are too stiff you get a harsh ride and put a lot of uneccessary stress on both the tow vehicle and trailer frames.

I like air bags hands down over any sort of non-adjustable support.
Pump them up as needed for towing then deflate to 5PSI when not towing.
I have them on both my FJ and my 4R as well as my Ford Transit and F350.

 

[Double_M]

.
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Beautiful. The Wife and I were supposed to go to New Brunswick, PEI, Newfoundland, Nova Scotia but the Wuhan stopped us. We really miss that trip were were supposed to take

Darn.

We had booked our this year summer vacay trip back in January, going to Cape Breton....then the provincial lockdowns happened, but we were fortunate that within a month of the July trip, they opened up travel within Atlantic Canada and we were able to venture out and do the trip. This was our 4th season and we thoroughly enjoy the camper and exploring around.

You all are definitely welcome once this covid thing is settled and allowed into Canada. Feel free to hit me up when you're passing through or for any local tips!

 

[b407driver]

T4R and T@b400

Here's a few since agonizing over whether the 4Runner can pull a trailer in CO (it can, but you gotta drive it like you stole it):