Trailer Shopping

Purple Venom said:
Yep, exactly what I'm saying. I don't think YOU or I are strong enough to ratchet it to a point compressing the suspension to zero travel. I attach to the rear axles and to the front of the frame playing tug of war as Ian said. The angle isn't steep enough to compress the suspension.
Click to expand...

Thats the point I'm making, the body and frame still move. If you fasten to the frame, when the car bounces, the strap can loosen SLIGHTLY. I can strap to the frame, and compress the suspension enough to see the body lower, if I bounce the body the strap will loosen.
I strap directly over the front wheels, on the rear to the axle a-arms. The body is completely free to move.
 
When I first got my trailer I reached out to Superformance (Hillbank) to see what they recommend? Superformance cars have a retrieval hook in the back but Hillbank said they transport their vehicles using the front and rear (IRS) lower axle a-arms as Rich mentions. So I've always done the same.
 
Didn't want to cause an argument. I prefer strapping the tires and allowing the car's suspension to absorb the bumps.
your mileage may vary
 
Cool option for anyone looking to build a serpent express type trailer? :)

trailer.jpg
 
As mentioned at last nights meeting, I knew there was a topic on Trailers. For the new members, please read this thread from the start as there is a lot of insightful info from all that have since purchased a trailer and their reasons why. If anyone wants to see a trailer in person, post up here and the owners can make arrangements to meet up with you.
 
My BDR has welded hooks under car front and back. I just ratchet to my D Rings in trailer floor, doing this front and back….I cut my ratchets to the length needed about 4-5’… on each one. Very simple process… I have an Arising Trailer 16x8.5…with Beaver Tail…..and D Rings in the floor.
 
As some of you are aware, I'm trailer shopping. Been looking at 8.5' x 16' trailers with both 7' and 6' 6" height with 3,500 lb axles. Have looked at a few and found several. And before anyone suggests Viper Trailers, I've found them to be unresponsive. I've called, sent emails and visited the store to request a quote with zero response from them. So, not considering them.

I played with AI this morning and learned the following
  • A 7' tall tailer has a front surface area of 59.5 feet squared while a 6'6" trailer has a front surface area of 55.5 feet squared. The difference in wind resistance is 7.2% higher on the 7' trailer
  • Most all of the trailers I've looked at weigh 3,000lbs empty
  • I asked AI to calculate MPG on my truck considering it get's 22mpg at 75mph without towing a trailer.
  • I asked AI to provide a MPG / Speed chart using the surface area, and a 5,000 lb trailer (trailer + car). This didn't need to be exact, and, I know my car weighs more, but, AI determined that the rolling resistance doesn't affect MPG as much as wind resistance. It does, just not as drastic.
  • Obviously, the slower you go, the better the MPG.
  • I've determined that for as often as I tow the trailer (2 - 5 times per year) that, I'm not THAT concerned with MPG as much as I am with ending up with a good trailer that will last as this is the last one I'm buying
  • Below is the charts comparing the 7' to the 6' 6" trailer. You may find other variables to add, but, I reached my data analysis limit on ChatGPT today :oops: Maybe this info will help others looking at buying a trailer.
 

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Interesting, it is almost linear: 5mph costs 1mpg.

I see the different approaches to aerodynamics, but I think their benefits are incremental. The big factor is still the drag of the frontal area.

You can streamline a brick but you're still pulling a brick.
 
I agree with Paul's comments and Tim's thoughts on just getting a quality built trailer!

Even the slanted front of my 7x16 hardtop Serpent Express only helps mpg marginally. And it only weights 1650 lbs empty! There's still a lot of surface area drag. I only lose about 1 mpg towing with my cobra inside vs empty. I find that my mpg is affected more by head/tail wind, drafting, speed and hills.
 
Never checked it… course a pull with a powerful SUV… to me feels effortless… got to watch speed ..: can creep up on you all sudden you’re doing 80+ without trying… no issues with my 8.5x16 w/side door… pulls perfectly…
 
Tim M said:
As some of you are aware, I'm trailer shopping. Been looking at 8.5' x 16' trailers with both 7' and 6' 6" height with 3,500 lb axles. Have looked at a few and found several. And before anyone suggests Viper Trailers, I've found them to be unresponsive. I've called, sent emails and visited the store to request a quote with zero response from them. So, not considering them.

I played with AI this morning and learned the following
  • A 7' tall tailer has a front surface area of 59.5 feet squared while a 6'6" trailer has a front surface area of 55.5 feet squared. The difference in wind resistance is 7.2% higher on the 7' trailer
  • Most all of the trailers I've looked at weigh 3,000lbs empty
  • I asked AI to calculate MPG on my truck considering it get's 22mpg at 75mph without towing a trailer.
  • I asked AI to provide a MPG / Speed chart using the surface area, and a 5,000 lb trailer (trailer + car). This didn't need to be exact, and, I know my car weighs more, but, AI determined that the rolling resistance doesn't affect MPG as much as wind resistance. It does, just not as drastic.
  • Obviously, the slower you go, the better the MPG.
  • I've determined that for as often as I tow the trailer (2 - 5 times per year) that, I'm not THAT concerned with MPG as much as I am with ending up with a good trailer that will last as this is the last one I'm buying
  • Below is the charts comparing the 7' to the 6' 6" trailer. You may find other variables to add, but, I reached my data analysis limit on ChatGPT today :oops: Maybe this info will help others looking at buying a trailer.
Click to expand...
Tim, what were the two trailer companies you recommended yesterday at Dave’s?

I remember “61 trailers”, I don’t remember the other. Thanks
 
Trailer purchased and Colorado will be it's maiden voyage :D
8.5 x 16
3500lb torsion axles
7' interior height
Polycore exterior walls
3/8" interior walls
3/4" Plywood floor
Steel frame

Viper never got back to me, so, moved on.
 

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