Posted: Mon Jun 11, 2007 7:09 pm
Many years ago, deflectors were popular on the cabs of big rigs - highway tractor-trailers. Now, they either have sleepers with high roof aerodynamic designs, or the cab is plain but the trailer has a "bubble" front... few deflectors left to be seen. Hmmm...
Fifth-wheel RV rigs rarely use deflectors, as well, although some older ones still have them. That may be something to do with the configuration when not towing, but I just think it makes more sense to shape the trailer appropriately.
My current trailer is not tiny, and does a good parachute imitation. I have no idea what I will do about that (other than switching to a smaller trailer), but I did notice carrying a big roof box or a canoe (only one of the two fits at a time) might not help drag, but doesn't hurt - maybe surprising, given that it's a huge canoe, longer than the van and quite wide. Perhaps it doesn't matter much whether the roof load or trailer does the air-bashing?
Fifth-wheel RV rigs rarely use deflectors, as well, although some older ones still have them. That may be something to do with the configuration when not towing, but I just think it makes more sense to shape the trailer appropriately.
My current trailer is not tiny, and does a good parachute imitation. I have no idea what I will do about that (other than switching to a smaller trailer), but I did notice carrying a big roof box or a canoe (only one of the two fits at a time) might not help drag, but doesn't hurt - maybe surprising, given that it's a huge canoe, longer than the van and quite wide. Perhaps it doesn't matter much whether the roof load or trailer does the air-bashing?