timm wrote:You are correct that fuel mileage is dependant on multiple things, however, my calculations have taken pretty much everything into account. Of course, I can't say for sure that my math is perfect without building the trailer and doing testing.
I calculated the mileage losses at 62 mph, which means your 15% decrease in mileage would probably be closer to 20%. You also have to consider that a CRV has a larger engine than a Civic so it will tow a trailer easier. Considering aerodynamic drag and rolling resistance are basically the 2 major things contributing to fuel mileage it doesn't seem crazy that tripling the aerodynamic drag and multiplying rolling resistance by 1.5 would reduce mileage by half.
yes it has a slightly larger 4cyl but is 4wd and a much larger profile.
Your images show that you actually tested on not actual teardrop (partially flat front) which is a problem for cars. You percentages seem more in line than the way I read the first post of about 50% loss in fuel mileage.
I know a guy who towed one that was production squaredrop (horrible profile) with a Suburu and his losses werent as bad as one would expect combined with 1500lbs of trailer.
Now my old trailer fully load plus stuff in the back and full family in our odyssey the faster we went the better the mileage. 55-60mph loss wasnt bad, got better mpg at 70mph. 4000lb minivan with 2 adults, 2 kids, cooler and gear plus 1500lb trailer. My wifes van is way over powered along with 8speed tranmission for a minivan. Trailer was built flat back but to stay in the draft of the van as much as possible.
Biggest concern with cars is and flat nose space. Getting all crazy is cool (love the lines I'm seeing of going full aerodynamic around here) but weight and eliminating square surfaces front and rear seems to make a huge difference.
Try simply wedging the nose so leading edges stay in cars draft and see how much of a difference that makes compared to benroy/canned ham styles. Or even true teardrop.
Keep in mind that a with a civic weight is going to play as much of a role as aerodynamic drag because unless you live where it's perfectly flat hills are going to be a big issue, even a small grade is going to make it strain alot if you try to push is max rating. and that rating INCLUDES all weight in the vehicle minus the driver and tank of fuel.
Just thoughts of keeping it simple and cost effective versus trying to make a bullet on wheels. But that of course depends on your time and funds.
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