Post by Brian M on Feb 1, 2009 13:44:06 GMT
Further to previous correspondence, I note the remarks.
There are three issues here under discussion:
1. Fuel Consumption.
2. Tow Vehicle Suitability
3. Stability.
Fuel Consumption.
I tend to agree with Brian, I found little variation in consumption with or without the van, and the conformity of speed when towing contributes to this apparent anomaly.
Tow Vehicle Suitability.
May I say first of all, I could easily move my fully laded 17’s around my back yard, alone. So power to move isn’t significant, nor is the 85% rule, which is the weight ratio of van to towing vehicle.
The principle towing criteria is high torque at low road speed. Modern high performance engines do not provide these criteria, unless there is a low ratio gear box. To check the suitability of the vehicle, try a hill start with a fully laded van on a 1 in 6 and see if traction can be maintained at minimal speed, say walking pace. Because that is the situation you could find when continental towing, for miles and miles and miles.
Overheating is a subsidiary problem and an additional electric cooling fan will minimise the problem, also, will an engine oil cooler.
Stability.
I have written an article before on this subject (which I will attach to this thread)
However, Safaris are no more stable than any other van or two wheeled trailer.
The shape is more to do with aesthetics’ than aerodynamics and the Lantern Roof is for appearance and high level ventilation (replacing roof lights). If the concern is Moment of Inertia, then it’s too late.
As explained in my previous article the Live Effective Weight increases in relation to speed, this is termed Linear Kinetic Energy. This is only one element of Moment of Inertia.
This force can be contained, as previously described and if it is not contained, well, as I said, it’s too late; you’re now probably a heap of rubbish on the roadside.
Happy caravanning.
Colin
There are three issues here under discussion:
1. Fuel Consumption.
2. Tow Vehicle Suitability
3. Stability.
Fuel Consumption.
I tend to agree with Brian, I found little variation in consumption with or without the van, and the conformity of speed when towing contributes to this apparent anomaly.
Tow Vehicle Suitability.
May I say first of all, I could easily move my fully laded 17’s around my back yard, alone. So power to move isn’t significant, nor is the 85% rule, which is the weight ratio of van to towing vehicle.
The principle towing criteria is high torque at low road speed. Modern high performance engines do not provide these criteria, unless there is a low ratio gear box. To check the suitability of the vehicle, try a hill start with a fully laded van on a 1 in 6 and see if traction can be maintained at minimal speed, say walking pace. Because that is the situation you could find when continental towing, for miles and miles and miles.
Overheating is a subsidiary problem and an additional electric cooling fan will minimise the problem, also, will an engine oil cooler.
Stability.
I have written an article before on this subject (which I will attach to this thread)
However, Safaris are no more stable than any other van or two wheeled trailer.
The shape is more to do with aesthetics’ than aerodynamics and the Lantern Roof is for appearance and high level ventilation (replacing roof lights). If the concern is Moment of Inertia, then it’s too late.
As explained in my previous article the Live Effective Weight increases in relation to speed, this is termed Linear Kinetic Energy. This is only one element of Moment of Inertia.
This force can be contained, as previously described and if it is not contained, well, as I said, it’s too late; you’re now probably a heap of rubbish on the roadside.
Happy caravanning.
Colin