Re: [A/S] Two questions

[Max Hicks <maxhicks@xxxxxxxxx>]

Hunter
 
An empty or heavily loaded Airstream trailer, towed under exact duplicate 
conditions, will not measureable change the fuel consumption. There can be 
an ever so slight reduction, depending on how you accelerate up to your 
cruise speed. If you slowly increase speed until you attain cruise speed, a 
measureable reduction in mileage would be difficult to achieve. Mountain 
climbing throws out all the above. Once you are at cruise speed, the only 
appreciable thing that can cause a reduction or, an actual increase in fuel 
mileage is the speed and direction of the wind. A 20 MPH headwind will 
obviously drop the mileage, but a 20 MPH tailwind, will also increase the 
mileage. The tire and wind resistance to towing, with an Airstream trailer 
remains the same, at a given speed, regardless of the weight of the trailer. 
Therefore, traveling with full water, which is only 480 pounds, (50 gallon 
water tank and 10 gallon water heater) will not cause a reduction in 
mileage. An empty 31 foot trailer that weighed 5000 pounds gave the same 
mileage as it did weighing 8500 pounds, with the same tow vehicle, over a 
distance of better than 1,000 miles, loaded as well as empty. But, is does 
lower the center of gravity, which in turn, gives you better handling 
characteristics, especially around curves.

Physics, so much do we know, but still don't understand.

Max.