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Bamabound

Alabama

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Posted: 05/14/08 04:44am

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Would it cost as much to pull a 30ft. 9,000 lb Airstream as a regular, same size box style trailer that is lighter due to the design?

Bumpyroad

Virginia

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Posted: 05/14/08 04:52am

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I would "guess" that once you got it moving, the airstream would get better mileage due to a more streamlined profile, and "assume" that frontal area might be less?
a good question, however.
bumpy

Nascar24

Blackstone Valley, Massachusetts

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Posted: 05/14/08 05:00am

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Hi

I would think it would depend on what you are towing it with?

If you are towing it with a large class II box truck that is larger in width and height than the traditional boxed TT I don't believe you would see much of a difference.

With that being said it's all about resistance, under normal conditions and a traditional tow vehicle, I would think the Airstream would definitely have an aerodynamic advantage when it comes to less resistance, hence better fuel mileage than the Box TT.

JMHO no scientific research or documentation, just good ole common sense which seems to have been a lost quality in today's world.

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Road Ruler

Canada

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Posted: 05/14/08 05:05am

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I have researched this topic to death and here is what I have concluded.

Once up to speed the weight has little to do with fuel consumption compared with wind drag. Towing an Airstream will get 20% better mileage when compared to a box type trailer. Note that the frontal area and the rear of the trailer influence aerodynamics and must be considered.

The added bonus of an Airstream is the superior towability overall.

This clip explains... http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v213/C........105/?action=view¤t=ASPerfVideo.flv

We went from a 2,000lb Pop Up to a 4,500lb 23' Airstream and our fuel usage only went from 19mpg to 16mpg (can gal). We tow with a aerodynamic V6 vehicle which also allows the aerodynamics of the Airstream work it's magic.

* This post was last edited 05/14/08 05:32am by Road Ruler * View edit history

swebber

Brunswick , MD

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Posted: 05/14/08 05:27am

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downtheroad

Tumbling Waters, Washington

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Posted: 05/14/08 06:46am

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The difference would add up to chump change.
If you are going to pull a 30 foot 9000 pound anything, it's going to take energy and it's going to cost money.

Also, let's see. A regular design trailer costs + - $20K - $30K. Airstreams go $60K+... Nice trailer, but are you really saving money on fuel?

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