I am looking to get a single bike trailer for times when I just can't ride due to Back problems, time or weather. I would think that a light flat single bike trailer would get better MPG then a box type trailer even with the v nose. I was at the trailer dealership and the salesman is telling me the the difference is very small due to the v nose. I think he's full of sh*t but would like to hear from others. I know the pros and cons for both, just want to know about gas MPG. Tow vehicle is a Toyota 6 cyl. van.

Thanks JIM

 

I made a single bike trailer to pull behind my element. When the trailer is that close behind a van, I doubt there would be a diff. But you do need to put something (a screen) to stop the rocks from your tires, chipping your paint ----don't ask.,--argh!!

 

Protection from the elements should factor in, IMHO.

 

I have a Chariot open trailer with the stone guard . It weighs 375lbs. When I pull it my mileage drops maybe 2 mpg. The simple weight of an enclosed trailer would drop your mileage more than that not even counting the wind drag.

 

You may also want to consider what else you could use a trailer for-other toys,yard work,storage.Getting the most use possible would be at the top of my list,not a few mpg the few times a year a bike may be on it.

 

I would not be worrying about fuel mileage.
I would be more concerned about wether or not the bike should be enclosed.

 

you really want:

2 axles

brakes

I have seen more single axle trailers rolled at the side of the road than I can count.


the most recent and spectacular was an open trailer with a single axle, no brakes.
2 roadkings strapped in, side by each

the right tire tire blew, the trailer dropped down on the right side and started pulling.

the driver braked hard

the trailer has no brakes and tried to pass the suv on the right.

it jerked and one of the roadkings went over the side...it;s straps pulling the other road king and the trailer on top.

mpg should be the least of your concerns, check the rating of you van- what can it pull, how much tongue weight

an open trailer will have alot of drag and may offer more resistance than an enclosed trailer - a V front will do better, but see if that is wasted space



mike

 

I had a Continental single bike trailer. Did what it needed to do but tires were too small, 10" I think. Rolling a vehicle down the highway at 70 MPH those small tires are spinning a whole lot faster, hence very fast tire wear. On a trip about 800 miles I nearly had a tire blow but caught it just in time. I sold the trailer.

Ask yourself how often you will use a trailer. If fairly often buy whatever suits your needs. If just an occasional trip to haul your bike I would rent a U-Haul. That is my plan but I don't tow my bike as much as I used to with change of work travel cut to nil.

 

i tow a tandem axle vnose (7*12) with a 5.7 tundra. My MPG is about 9 while towing. Without the trailer I avg 15. I dont think there is much difference Vnose or bull nose. You are pulling a box and that is a lot of wind resistance.

I do like my bike inside for protection.

 

if you'll be leaving it parked in hotel lots overnight,an enclosed is worth its weight.