If I am pulling with a full size 4x4 truck, how much of an advantage will the v-nose offer with regard to aerodynamics and fuel economy?  I am sure everyone has their thoughts just as I do but has anyone actually done a comparison?


NC

Can't answer your question because both of my trailers have V nose. The little bit of extra room you get with a V nose is nice though.

I recently bought a V-nose too. Never had a flat front so I have nothing to compare with either. I will agree with above, the extra room of the V made for a nice shelf area and I can easily still put another bike in.

I think a topper on the truck will have a larger impact on fuel economy while towing than a V-nose will.


Now, I have no flat front trailer towing to compare this against (that was done over any distance), but I took this combo on a 4k mile 3 week long riding adventure.  Average fuel economy over the whole trip was 15.



The truck is a 2wd C1500 from 94.  5.7L engine, AT, 3.08 gears.  Most driving was done around 65 mph.

Under the topper was camping gear, riding gear and luggage, the trailer had two bikes, spares, gas cans, etc in it.  Total weight of the combo was 7k lbs.

We've always used a flat front enclosed trailer because we were told they are more stable in a variety of wind directions.  Pulling it thru Iowa and Illinois, crosswinds can be annoying.  We've been told the V nose works better when there is no wind or a direct head wind (but even then only slightly better).  However with any amount of cross wind, the flat front will act as if it were a V, creating less drag while the true V-nose will act as if it were a flat surface and create more drag.  Also note that in a cross wind the trailer is being hit by the wind directly.  If there is no cross wind, then the vehicle creates turbulence and the trailer never sees the full effect of the air resistance.  I've never pulled a V-nose for comparison, but I do believe the guy who told us because our trailer has always pulled very stable in a variety of windy conditions.

I have towed both and can say 100% the V nose tows easier and better as it flows through the air bettter.

lumpy790, on 21 May 2012 - 09:44 AM, said:

Agreed. I haul alot of different trailers and the V-nose is much better.

I used do local transports of trailers, from 4x8' to big RV's. A V-nose is very nice. But nothing pulls like 5th wheel. I hate bumper pulls. But when you're just hauling a little trailer, I even have a HD 16'er flat front and very heavy, it's a Bumper pull and eats the fuel.

The V-nose enclosed w/front ramp is the only way to go IMO. The versatility of this type with the benefits of the V-nose is a winner in my book.