does an enclosed underbelly tow easier and more economically due to less drag. salesman said it will(why would he lie). anyone have an opinion. it does seem logical
2007 Tundra DC 5.7L
Reese Dual Cam,Prodigy Brake Control 2008 Northshore 295 BS-DSL
I'm sure that a salesman would only tell you the truth After all, he's got no interest in whether you buy or not
As for being more aerodynamic....yes, it probably is, but it will also weigh more, which should reduce your mpgs. I think that you may gain some benefit, but not very much, and not enough to justify the expense.
JMHO!
DH Bill / DW Claudia / DD Jenn / DS Chris The Paps! Sophie, Abby, Brandy, Kahlie and Annie
2000 Winnebago "Minnie" 31C, Ford V-10
Purchased April Fools Day, 2008 The Pets
Suppose to be less turbulence, hence more aerodynamic.
Just don't know how much of a difference it would make.
sometimes I wonder if it would be a worth while modification.
03 Nissan Xterra
Travel Star Sport XLT 24 FQB by Starcraft 3570 LBS Dry
Prodogy EBC, Reece Dual Cam WDH
Sounds very logical to me. No cross members or axles, or any thing else to catch air and cause turbulence. JMHO
Steve
Weight is not a factor, as the whole underbelly on our 29 foot TT probably doesn't weigh 40 pounds
I've heard that too. It does make sense, but how much difference does it really make in fuel economy?? I don't know.
There are other benefits such as it keeping most dirt and debris out of the frame rails and is easier to hose off. I think it also has some insulating value for your floor and holding tanks.
Are you asking to justify the extra expense on a possible purchase, or just curious? Our TT came with it, but it was not a "must-have" option.
I no longer have a travel trailer but many of our friends do. The enclosed underbelly does definately make it easier to tow. As for the extra weight causing lower gas mileage....Hogwash! The weight is only half the issue with gas mileage...drag is the other half. I would most definately get the enclosed underbelly option if the cost is not too high.
"A mind is a terrible thing to waste and a waist is a terrible thing to mind."
i,m going to make the purchase. i am curious about it. i can add another benefit about it that eases my mind. i have an american bulldog that loves to sleep under my trailer when we camp. i always worried about her chewing on something,but she never has.
This is a similar question like,if I put my T/gate down....Put a cap on...strap a canoe on the roof...buy an Airstream...will I get better mileage? Obviously the more aerodynamic the TV or the TT the better mileage but when you are moving a total of 15-20,000 lbs.down the road,the size of a small garage the mileage difference is going to be minimal at best. My TT is enclosed underneath,but it's just a corrugated piece of plastic "cardboard" weight difference on the closer panel would not be an issue.He is probably truthfull in the fact that it causes less drag,but mileage benefits might be stretching it a bit.
2008 Keystone Cougar XLite 29RLS
2006 Super Duty V10 6 Speed 4.10S Tow Command Tow Pkg. 4X4
About 1/3 of the cars we see at my place of biz have underbody panels nowadays...my last car '99 V6 VW Passat had one. It also had engine covers too. I thing they were trying for quiet more than economy, although I can say that car was really smooth driving.
05 F150 FX4 Supercrew, 5.4, 3.73 LS, Jordan Ultima 2020 Brake Controller,
04 TrailCruiser 30QBSS, Battery Disconnect,
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NHguy wrote: About 1/3 of the cars we see at my place of biz have underbody panels nowadays...my last car '99 V6 VW Passat had one. It also had engine covers too. I thing they were trying for quiet more than economy, although I can say that car was really smooth driving.
Sounds interesting. But I think too many plastic panels can help to keep the heat in on an auto.
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After all, he's got no interest in whether you buy or not 
