mcwick
Texas
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Just curious for people who own a v-nose trailer like the v-cross - have you noticed much difference in gas mileage? From what I have researched the main advantage seems to be it is a bit easier to maneuver and less prone to jacknife, but the mileage is about the same. Any advice would be appreciated - looking at the v-cross 26bh vs. the jayco 26bh (and a few other bunkhouse models in that length and weight range).
Thanks so much!!
Carrie
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Turtle n Peeps
California
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There's not going to be much difference in fuel mileage. Remember, there is almost as much drag at the back of the trailer as in the front.
In short, speed is big when it comes to mileage. Shape; not so big at all.
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bradyk
Calgary, Alberta
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Talking to an engineer that makes some of the cars that are built for wind and air resistance told me that trailers especially the Vnose are built backwards. The v nose would have better resistance etc. if it were at the back of the unit not the front. If you look at all these special high tech wind cars you always see the V at the back of the car not the front. Consequently it does not have that big of an advantage and won't save a lot for you. Not my own opinion but just what I picked up along the way. I was considering one as well and like them for the extra room at the front but not for the wind and mileage difference.
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CloudDriver
New Jersey Shore
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Turtle n Peeps wrote:There's not going to be much difference in fuel mileage. Remember, there is almost as much drag at the back of the trailer as in the front.
In short, speed is big when it comes to mileage. Shape; not so big at all.
An airplane is designed to minimize drag. Airplanes have smooth curves both front and back to minimize turbulence as the air is separated at the front and then brought back together at the rear. RVs are built with shapes that are similar to elongated cardboard boxes. This done for ease of construction and to get the largest useful living space inside.
RVs have some curvature at the front that helps with drag, but all RVs (with the exception of Airstreams) are square backed, which results in lots of turbulence and drag in the rear.
Speed matters a lot with fuel mileage because drag increases with the square of the speed. Twice the speed means four times the drag.
Driving slower is the best way to improve fuel mileage. It even works with airplanes.
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CarnationSailor
Carnation,WA
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The statement, "all RVs (with the exception of Airstreams) are square backed", is incorrect. Consider the R-Pods, T@bs, MPGs, etc. Not saying they are better on gas mileage (from personal experience I can say the R-POD is not). Just pointing out that there are many models that are not square-backed.
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beemerphile1
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No personal experience but consider that the frontal area of a V-nose is larger than a flat surface. Previous discussions seem to indicate that it doesn't help much if at all.
I have no idea how it would be "easier to maneuver and less prone to jacknife". Sounds like sales pitch talk to me.
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sidewayzz
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I have a v-nose and I get no better fuel milage than anyone else that I talk with.On my last trip out I got about 8mpg, fought a stron headwind about the who;e way and ran about 55 average.
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Gale Hawkins
Murray, KY
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Turtle n Peeps wrote:There's not going to be much difference in fuel mileage. Remember, there is almost as much drag at the back of the trailer as in the front.
In short, speed is big when it comes to mileage. Shape; not so big at all.
As others have mentioned the square tail does try to pull a vacuum hence 'drafting'.
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mcwick
Texas
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Thanks for the feedback; that is kind of what I was expecting!
Easier to maneuver and jackknife was what I read on other forums from other owners. Whether it was from experience or salesman talk, I have no idea!!
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LAdams
Northern Illinois
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Previous posts regarding the V-nose trailers seem to indicate little improvement in gas mileage...
Just as an FYI, I have seen a few semi's recently with a device on the rear of the trailer which angles in on all 4 sides resembling a "square cone shape"... This would seem to support the drag theory at the rear of the trailer as well as the front...
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