Length vs mpg, pups vs 48ft trailer. Which is better?

Discussion in 'Ask An Owner Operator' started by feldsforever, Jan 16, 2021.

  1. Rideandrepair

    Rideandrepair Road Train Member

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    The old cabovers got good mpg’s. The reason being, they only broke the wind once.
     
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  3. feldsforever

    feldsforever Road Train Member

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    With the raised axle on the trailer. I felt like a pro backing up. That's how I learnt about scuffing and pushing.
    I knew flat beds changed per load. How the wind would hit it. Plus height. Never having pulled flat. I only know what I read or heard.
    In my mind. A dry box on flat ground and empty. I thought a pup trailer would be better on mpg. Based on drag, if I read the responses right. I feel I've been corrected. That the shorter trailer is not better.
    Thanks again.
     
  4. 8thnote

    8thnote Road Train Member

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    The length to width ratio is a major factor in ship speed/fuel economy. Ive never heard that it is a factor in wheeled vehicles though. I think weight and number of tires are more of a factor for trucks.

    From MarineWiki:

    L/B (Length-Breadth Ratio)
    This proportion is kept nearly same or within a small range for most vessels of the particular type. For very small vessels this proportion do not remain same.

    Some of the vessels include

    • Oil Tankers 5-6
    • Container Vessels 6-8
    • Passenger Vessels 6-8
    For any given displacement varying the ratio has certain trade-offs.

    Increasing L/B would

    • decrease fuel consumption (engine power) for same speed (good)
    • however will decrease stability and manoeuvrability (bad)
     
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