MPG Open trailers VS enclosed V nose
Thread Starter
|
Road Warrior
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 1,614
Likes: 27
From: Toms River, NJ
MPG Open trailers VS enclosed V nose
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
Thanks JIM
Road Warrior
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 1,301
Likes: 24
From: Minden LA
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
Thanks JIM
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 3,121
Likes: 489
From: sunny florida
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.
Road Master
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 1,064
Likes: 405
From: Cedar BC
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.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 14,744
Likes: 402
From: Phoenix '53, '88, '09 Big Twins
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
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
Last edited by mkguitar; Nov 1, 2015 at 03:18 PM.
Trending Topics
Banned
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 11,232
Likes: 16
From: Socialist Republic of the USA
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.
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.
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
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 2,921
Likes: 33
From: Lewisberry PA
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.
I do like my bike inside for protection.
Last edited by luc.who; Nov 1, 2015 at 04:16 PM. Reason: added the wind resistance comment.
