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Topic ClosedR-Pod frontal area
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Joined: 23 Mar 2016
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Posts: 3 		Direct Link To This Post Topic: R-Pod frontal area
    Posted: 23 Mar 2016 at 3:23pm
Hi All, first post (and thanks to the admins for approving me)!

We've been looking into an rpod for a while, and one of the things we like about them are the lightweight and (originally) the aerodynamics. Reading up here (and elsewhere), it would seem the rpod isn't as aerodynamic as we originally thought compared to a boxier trailer (at least not enough to make a difference at 60mph).

Even though it would cost less and give us more space, we'd still prefer an rpod over something like a clipper 17bh because the rpod feels like it's made better (and my wife thinks it's "cute").

I've seen the mention of the aeroplus (something we may or may not be able to use with our TV), but has anyone tried making the rpod itself more aerodynamic? I know there are companies that make and sell nose cones for trucks and trailers, has anyone tried adding one to the rpod to help combat the drag consequences of the frontal area?
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Joined: 22 Sep 2011
Location: Chapel Hill,NC
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Posts: 1067 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 21 Mar 2016 at 9:30am
We carry a canoe on top of our Ford Expedition almost all of the time when towing the R Pod.  I don't remember the exact numbers, but our gas mileage was better by about 2 mpg  with the canoe on top.  I think it tends to break the wind hitting the front of the pod and send it  around the sides.when  the canoe is on the roof, it is taller than the r pod.
Vann

Vann & Laura 2015 RPod 179
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StephenH View Drop Down
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Joined: 29 Nov 2015
Location: Wake Forest, NC
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Posts: 6289 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 20 Mar 2016 at 6:46pm
Then it is worth carrying for the fuel savings alone. Never hurts to be prepared for high water either. LOL
StephenH
Happy is the man that findeth wisdom,...

ouR escaPOD mods
Former RPod 179
Current Cherokee Grey Wolf 24 JS
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Joined: 17 Aug 2014
Location: central Florida
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Posts: 90 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 20 Mar 2016 at 6:14pm
Last August ,I bought a 12 ft aluminum row boat to use while camping with the pod.I have a f150 with 5.4 v8. I was getting 11 mpg towing without boat on top . with it on top I get 14 mpg. I have a capper even with cab roof and put rack on cap & cab roof to carry boat.I will probably take boat with me whether I plan on using it or not.
J. - 2011 rpod 171
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Joined: 25 Jul 2011
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Posts: 6128 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 19 Mar 2016 at 4:06pm
Originally posted by CharlieM

Originally posted by furpod

Interesting tidbit.. Our 31 foot Airstream is twice as long, and twice as heavy as the pod. It IS rounded on the front edges, not just the roof.. We get the EXACT same MPG towing it as the pod.


It's all about the parachute effect, but a better question is "Why are you still towing the AS?" Where's the Lance? Cool


Have not towed it lately.. Lance is in production soon..
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CharlieM View Drop Down
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Posts: 1797 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 19 Mar 2016 at 2:22pm
Originally posted by furpod

Interesting tidbit.. Our 31 foot Airstream is twice as long, and twice as heavy as the pod. It IS rounded on the front edges, not just the roof.. We get the EXACT same MPG towing it as the pod.


It's all about the parachute effect, but a better question is "Why are you still towing the AS?" Where's the Lance? Cool
Charlie
Northern Colorado
OLD: 2013 RP-172, 2010 Honda Pilot 3.5L 4WD
PRESENT: 2014 Camplite 21RBS, 2013 Supercharged Tacoma 4L V6 4WD
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Joined: 25 Jul 2011
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Posts: 6128 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 19 Mar 2016 at 11:55am
Interesting tidbit.. Our 31 foot Airstream is twice as long, and twice as heavy as the pod. It IS rounded on the front edges, not just the roof.. We get the EXACT same MPG towing it as the pod.
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Posts: 71 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 19 Mar 2016 at 10:30am
I remember someone posting on here that they got much better gas mileage when their canoe was on top of the tow vehicle.  The canoe must re-direct the air around the pod instead of hitting it head on.

I would imagine the aeroPlus would do a much better job!!  Can't wait to hear your results on longer trips.  I may concider getting this for my truck.  I think it would mount to the rear bar on my roof rack.

I check out those taylor wings and ouch!!  I would have to save a lot of gas to make that pay for itself... 
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StephenH View Drop Down
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Posts: 6289 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 18 Mar 2016 at 5:34pm
Originally posted by furpod

A member who was a hydraulic engineer did a bunch of laminar flow studies and such in the first year, finding that A) the pod isn't near as aerodynamic as we think, and B) the Effective frontal area was just a smidge under 49sqft.


Thanks. I did not know that. It adds to my contention that a wind deflector which helps to improve airflow can be beneficial. I purchased the AeroPlus direct from purplelineusa.com. The only other choice for a removable deflector seems to be the Icon Direct AeroShield. There is one for pickup trucks called a Taylor Wing, but it is quite expensive. It is made of metal though and not plastic.

I have noticed a significant difference in my towing with the AeroPlus. Once we start traveling this summer and can use it over longer distances, I will be able to get a better understanding of how much it helps. The instantaneous and average mileage readouts in my car definitely show the improvement on the short trips between the dealer and where we live.
StephenH
Happy is the man that findeth wisdom,...

ouR escaPOD mods
Former RPod 179
Current Cherokee Grey Wolf 24 JS
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furpod View Drop Down
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Joined: 25 Jul 2011
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Posts: 6128 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 18 Mar 2016 at 3:06pm
A member who was a hydraulic engineer did a bunch of laminar flow studies and such in the first year, finding that A) the pod isn't near as aerodynamic as we think, and B) the Effective frontal area was just a smidge under 49sqft.
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