MPG Open trailers VS enclosed V nose
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 3,555
Likes: 119
From: Brockport, NY
Thorey
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 4,459
Likes: 2,893
From: Oklahoma
If you were towing with a small sedan the trailer would make more difference. Since you are pulling a box with a box you are already making the "hole" in the air with the tow vehicle, the shape of the front of the trailer is pretty much irrelevant. Most of your drag will be generated by the flat back of the trailer "sucking" lots of air into the empty space left by the trailer/tow vehicle package. The turbulence behind a vehicle represents energy transferred from the vehicle into the air. A long wedge attached to the back of the trailer would minimize turbulence but if this were really practical with all of the other drag items you can't fix, (wheels, fenders and axles being "biggies") you would see more of those on the road. You don't so they don't help enough for the extra trouble they cause. For everyone towing a trailer, if fuel economy is cut in HALF, that is a lot of extra work being done by the engine and transmission, thus LOTS of extra heat. An auxiliary transmission cooler is advised if this will be done for a long distance or frequently. If fuel consumption is important, speed is expensive, drag goes up by the square of the velocity change. Drag at 60 mph is 4 times what it is at 30. The air you are pushing out of the way and dragging behind you is influenced by your AIRSPEED, not your road speed. Driving 60 mph into a 30 mph headwind makes your air drag the same as driving 90 mph in still air.
Road Master
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 1,170
Likes: 14
From: washington dc
I have a singleplace Kendon. Tows very nicely, big wheels (for a trailer), light. I've never checked mileage, but I very much suspect open Kendons cause much less mileage drop than any enclosed trailer. I suspect nearly the same from open "landscape" trailers v. box trailers, but adding a solid floor and front rails is going to have an effect on mileage.
I'd have a box trailer -- if I had a place to store it. Urbanite. Having said that, I'm unsure about the hotel safety issue mentioned by many posters. I am certain, however, that when my bike is loaded and chained to the trailer it is safer than when it's simply parked at the same hotel, while my truck and trailer are at home. When I park truck/trailer/bike, the trailer typically is boxed in by the truck and is also chained to the truck (or light pole) with more than safety chains.
I'd have a box trailer -- if I had a place to store it. Urbanite. Having said that, I'm unsure about the hotel safety issue mentioned by many posters. I am certain, however, that when my bike is loaded and chained to the trailer it is safer than when it's simply parked at the same hotel, while my truck and trailer are at home. When I park truck/trailer/bike, the trailer typically is boxed in by the truck and is also chained to the truck (or light pole) with more than safety chains.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 6,899
Likes: 3,412
From: OH
I haven't had an issue in the last 2 seasons pulling it 700 miles each way and had it for a week. Not an issue. I used to never trailer until I started dating/living with my current girl. She likes to ride somewhat but she is not pulling 12 hour runs on the slab.
If you can't ride your Bike to where you need to go, you must have a trailer to take a Bike.
If you are worried about fuel mileage from a Toyota 6 cylinder mini van, maybe you do need
an open trailer. I would make sure it has a rock guard or a small tool box up front to help
protect your Bike. Safety of your Bike should be your main concern when towing a Harley
on a small open trailer, or even in a box trailer.
If you are worried about fuel mileage from a Toyota 6 cylinder mini van, maybe you do need
an open trailer. I would make sure it has a rock guard or a small tool box up front to help
protect your Bike. Safety of your Bike should be your main concern when towing a Harley
on a small open trailer, or even in a box trailer.
Road Master
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 1,045
Likes: 188
From: West Chester, Ohio
The enclosed also acts as a garage when you get where your going. The draw back for me is i like to be able to see whatever i am towing. With an enclosed you always wonder if everything is still strapped in right. I have towed both, to me it seems the open trailers are lighter and don't get pushed around as much.
2nd Gear
Joined: Feb 2018
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
From: McMinnville, Tennessee
www.ironhorsetrailers.com - lightweight, does not kill your mpg like a box trailer, and just cool looking. If you can not ride there then this is the way to go!
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Road Master
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 1,156
Likes: 198
From: Ill Annoy
Since I already own a Wells Cargo 6x10 v-nose, that is what I use. Yeah I take an MPG hit, but I really do like the security and weather protection it gives (for whatever I’m hauling). I put electric brakes on it which was a nice upgrade, and my V6 Tacoma handles it fine.
Those enclosed Iron Horse units do look good tho!
Those enclosed Iron Horse units do look good tho!
Last edited by rv7garage; Feb 20, 2018 at 02:16 PM.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 4,378
Likes: 1,933
Since I already own a Wells Cargo 6x10 v-nose, that is what I use. Yeah I take an MPG hit, but I really do like the security and weather protection it gives (for whatever Im hauling). I put electric brakes on it which was a nice upgrade, and my V6 Tacoma handles it fine.
Those enclosed Iron Horse units do look good tho!
Those enclosed Iron Horse units do look good tho!