Wind deflectors??

J

JTT

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Aug 25, 2000

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• Apr 10, 2003

• #1

I am hauling a 6x10 enclosed trailer with a minivan (OK, stop laughing...it's my wifes ). I am debating on getting one of those "bubbles" for the front of the trailer and was wondering if it would really make a significant difference in gas milage? The other option was a wind deflector wing that would fasten to the van itself (kind of like a spoiler affair). I've seen them years ago, but don't know if they even exist anymore. Any advise?

 

High Lord Gomer

Poked with Sticks

Sep 26, 1999

11,788

35

• Apr 11, 2003

• #2

The bubble on the front of my enclosed trailer worked well with the minivan, but I never tried it without the bubble. The point on it lined up perfectly with the roof of the van.

I was told that the top of the bubble caved in when approaching triple digits, though. It always popped back out when I slowed down, so I never got to see it, just my friends laughing as they drove beside me.

 

E

EdLennon

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May 10, 2000

61

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• Apr 11, 2003

• #3

I've been looking into these for my box van, but they also sell them for trailers as well:

www.nosecone.com

HTH,
Ed Lennon

 

KenR

Member

Feb 20, 2002

193

0

• Apr 16, 2003

• #4

When we were shopping for an enclosed trailer, a Wells Cargo dealer we were visiting had cool demonstration of the effects of the bubble vs. flat front trailer.

It was basically a scale model of a trailer in a plexiglass box with a small fan on one end. No bubble, the model trailer would scoot right back. With bubble it didn't move at all. Convinced me of the benefits, even though we ended up with a Pace. Haven't put a bubble nose on it yet.

 

Zerotact

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Dec 10, 2002

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• Apr 16, 2003

• #5

what kinda minivan are you using?
I got an 8x12 box trailer and was debating if my 1972 mercury full size car is enough to tow it......

 

J

JTT

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Aug 25, 2000

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• Apr 16, 2003

• Thread starter
• #6

Yeah Ken, I saw a similar demonstration on the Nosecone website posted above. Mine a Pace too. My dealer quoted me $500 Cnd :eek: for the bubble..that's why I am hesitating some to buy it...it would take a considerable gas savings to pay for itself. :think:

Zerotact, I am using a 2003 Windstar with a 3.8L six. It seems to tow easily, although I haven't done any extended road trips yet. I also haul mine some with a Buick Century 3.1L six...it works a little harder, but still gets the job done. I think the wind is probably the greatest holdback, rather than trailer weight. I'm sure you Mercury (probably a big ol' V8) would haul it no problem, but again the wind drag would be considerable. With the van it's higher and breaks at least some of the wind off the trailer.

Hummm..Gomer, I don't think I'll be doing any "triple digits" in the minivan with trailer ...at least not in MPH anyways :laugh:

 

High Lord Gomer

Poked with Sticks

Sep 26, 1999

11,788

35

• Apr 16, 2003

• #7

I never got much of 90 with the minivan and trailer, but with the F250...

At 85 the minivan got 23 by itself, with the trailer at 85 it dropped to 13. That was in 96 when the van was new.

 

Zerotact

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Dec 10, 2002

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• Apr 17, 2003

• #8

Yea the merc is a 1972 montego with a 302. I went ahead and stuffed a 3:89 rear end in it, but the first weekend out it started running like crap. I am waiting to get a friend to come over and look at it and see what it need to be running in top shape. I know i really should have a truck to do this, but this is all i have and i can't afford a truck.
I was cruising the online parts stores and saw i could get a 460 short block for like $400, i could put a 460 in the car one paycheck at a time... then i'd prolly get all of 5 mpg....

 

J

JTT

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Aug 25, 2000

1,407

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• Apr 17, 2003

• Thread starter
• #9

LOL!! Yeah, but those triple digits would be much easier to attain!

 

MX-727

LIFETIME SPONSOR

Aug 4, 2000

1,810

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• Apr 17, 2003

• #10

I used the dealer link on the www.nosecone.com website and they sent two PDF's and a price for a cone to fit my trailer. Basically it's going to cost $410 with shipping. I'm seriously considering this.