Re: [A/S] Answers to Two questions

["Carol and Oliver Filippi" <ofilippi@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Diesel engine question:
Big diesel engines are hard to start.

An idling diesel (no matter how big) burns very little fuel at idle with no
load.  Unlike a gasoline engine which needs a 14.5 to 1 air fuel ratio for
the fuel to burn, an idling diesel just needs enough fuel injected to
produce enough heat to overcome the friction of rotation i.e. very little.
That is why diesel locomotives and other large diesels are left running
(often over the week end).

Trailer water tank question:
At a continuous speed on a level surface, the weight of the vehicle
(trailer) makes very little difference on the power required to keep it
rolling.  (Though more weight does cause some additional energy loss in the
tire rolling motion).   As the speed goes up, wind resistance becomes an
increasingly larger factor, especially over 45 MPH. Air drag.

Accelerating, or going up a hill, more weight requires more power (and more
brakes to slow down).

Due to the design of the Airstream axle, the water tanks can be (and are)
installed as low as possible.  Thus with full tanks, the center of gravity
of the Airstream is lower than when empty.  On the other hand, the black
water tank is toward the rear and when full can cause the tail to wag more
and put extra stress on the rear of the chassis.

The fresh water tank is over the axles, so when full, it doesn't cause much
in the way of handling problems. Most likely, improves stability and
handling slightly (as long as you have traction.)  Thus, extra weight could
be a negative on wet or slippery roads.

My suggestion would be to travel with empty waste water tanks and as much
fresh water as you think you might need, or feel comfortable with.  No need
to travel without fresh water. If the roads are slippery, slow down.

Oliver Filippi