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Greetings everyone. I've researched threads concerning aluminum flatbed car haulers and have an understanding of what most people recommend. I'm curious to know if anyone has ever used a Nextrail trailer? I know their fenders aren't removable but are only 8.25" high. I believe this is adequate clearance but wondered if anyone had first hand knowledge. On another note I read some comments regarding MPG issues using a trailer deflector. I did some research and found the item shown in the link below. Seems like a viable option. Thanks for any input.
If you're that worried about MPG, consider a trailer that has a wind deflector built onto the front. Added benefit is it will keep stuff from hitting the car. I've no experience with that particular brand you mention.
Interesting enough I had actually read on a forum or Facebook the deflector on the trailer actually lowers your mpg. That's why I had mentioned the bumper deflector. Seemed like a good concept.
i think that would depend on the type of trailer design. for example my previous trailer simply stored the ramps on the front of the trailer as a stone guard however it was only about 2' tall.
my current trailer has a built in guard that is easily 4' tall or more and now i have a tire rack as well.
both however are shorter than the cab of my truck so not sure how big of an impact it has.
I suspect the main contributor to reduced fuel mileage is the gross vehicle weight of your car and trailer, going up hills. For that reason, an aluminum trailer probably pays for itself at some point, just based on fuel savings. Most of us have experienced being able to let up on the throttle slightly as we pull in close and follow a vehicle. So the trailer/car is already in a sweet spot from a wind resistance standpoint. As such, I would guess drag from a deflector is a secondary consideration. I have a deflector on my 17' Featherlight but I bought it mainly to protect my classic cars from debris damage when towing.
Also, as you will find out, if you buy a new trailer, you will spend an additional chunk of change on the accessories. Just the nature of the beast.
BTW, when you get your trailer, find a suitable scale and play around with the position of the car on the trailer with respect to the tongue weight. Once you find the optimum spot for the car on the trailer that meets the tongue weight guidelines of your rig, mark the edge of the trailer opposite the left front wheel centerline. From then on, when you pull your car onto the trailer, you can match your front wheel to that mark and feel confident that your tongue weight is in the "safe zone".
That's a nice setup there. As luck would have it my truck actually has visible lights integrated into the taillights just for that reason. That's great advice too. The reason I was questioning the air dam is someone stated it definitely affected their fuel mileage. The bumper skirt is a neat idea if a dam isn't available. Thanks for sharing.
they make great trailers. only issue i had was the placement of the jack - could not open my tailgate with it. strangely the r&r weighted about 200-300lbs less but the futurua is 10x easier to move around unloaded.
they make great trailers. only issue i had was the placement of the jack - could not open my tailgate with it. strangely the r&r weighted about 200-300lbs less but the futurua is 10x easier to move around unloaded.
Perhaps it's the ramps adding to the tongue weight. Not being able to open the tailgate is a real pain in the a$$.
07-22-2024, 11:36 AM
Car hauler trailer
