R-Pod frontal area
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Category: R-pod Discussion Forums
Forum Name: Podmods, Maintenance, Tips and Tricks
Forum Discription: Ask maintenance questions, share your podmods (modifications) and helpful tips
URL: http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7589
Printed Date: 03 May 2024 at 5:13am
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 9.64 - http://www.webwizforums.com
Topic: R-Pod frontal area
Posted By: Happy Tripping
Subject: R-Pod frontal area
Date Posted: 18 Mar 2016 at 10:47am
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I did a Forum search - No Joy What is the frontal area of an R-Pod? The only number I found on the internet is 30 sq ft, without further info. I didn't know that manufacturer's frontal area limits are apparently very important when choosing a tow vehicle. |
Replies:
Posted By: StephenH
Date Posted: 18 Mar 2016 at 11:38am
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Multiplying width * height from the brochure specs (6'5" x 8'8") yields 56.61 sq. ft. That includes the air conditioner in the height figure, so it is somewhat less, since the AC does not cover the whole width of the roof. In any case, it is over 30 sq. ft. I found the AeroPlus from PurpleLine USA. http://www.purplelineusa.com/products-aeroplus.php - http://www.purplelineusa.com/products-aeroplus.php This helps to change the dynamic and makes towing easier since it improves the airflow, reducing drag. I have noticed a significant increase in fuel mileage since I purchased this and installed it. I am towing with a 2016 Ford Escape SE with factory tow package and 2L Ecoboost engine. I really do recommend this. I only have this installed while towing, as PurpleLine states to limit the speed to 60 mph while it is installed. Also, to have it installed while not towing would be bad for vehicle mileage.  I installed this using nylock nuts instead of the plastic hand-tightened nuts. They would have pressed against the car roof, which was unacceptable. It is also quite easy to install and remove the cross-bar with the AeroPlus attached, much easier than trying to attach it to the cross-bar while it is installed. I had to do some small modifications to adjust for the low height of the cross bars so that the bolts would not dig into the car roof also. This involved adding more spacers between the plastic shield and the bracket that sits on top of the cross-bar. ------------- StephenH Happy is the man that findeth wisdom,... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7712 - ouR escaPOD mods Former RPod 179 Current Cherokee Grey Wolf 24 JS |
Posted By: furpod
Date Posted: 18 Mar 2016 at 3:06pm
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A member who was a hydraulic engineer did a bunch of laminar flow studies and such in the first year, finding that A) the pod isn't near as aerodynamic as we think, and B) the Effective frontal area was just a smidge under 49sqft.
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Posted By: StephenH
Date Posted: 18 Mar 2016 at 5:34pm
Thanks. I did not know that. It adds to my contention that a wind deflector which helps to improve airflow can be beneficial. I purchased the AeroPlus direct from purplelineusa.com. The only other choice for a removable deflector seems to be the Icon Direct AeroShield. There is one for pickup trucks called a Taylor Wing, but it is quite expensive. It is made of metal though and not plastic. I have noticed a significant difference in my towing with the AeroPlus. Once we start traveling this summer and can use it over longer distances, I will be able to get a better understanding of how much it helps. The instantaneous and average mileage readouts in my car definitely show the improvement on the short trips between the dealer and where we live. ------------- StephenH Happy is the man that findeth wisdom,... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7712 - ouR escaPOD mods Former RPod 179 Current Cherokee Grey Wolf 24 JS |
Posted By: jstrenn
Date Posted: 19 Mar 2016 at 10:30am
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I remember someone posting on here that they got much better gas mileage when their canoe was on top of the tow vehicle. The canoe must re-direct the air around the pod instead of hitting it head on. I would imagine the aeroPlus would do a much better job!! Can't wait to hear your results on longer trips. I may concider getting this for my truck. I think it would mount to the rear bar on my roof rack. I check out those taylor wings and ouch!! I would have to save a lot of gas to make that pay for itself...
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Posted By: furpod
Date Posted: 19 Mar 2016 at 11:55am
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Interesting tidbit.. Our 31 foot Airstream is twice as long, and twice as heavy as the pod. It IS rounded on the front edges, not just the roof.. We get the EXACT same MPG towing it as the pod.
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Posted By: CharlieM
Date Posted: 19 Mar 2016 at 2:22pm
It's all about the parachute effect, but a better question is "Why are you still towing the AS?" Where's the Lance?  ------------- Charlie Northern Colorado OLD: 2013 RP-172, 2010 Honda Pilot 3.5L 4WD PRESENT: 2014 Camplite 21RBS, 2013 Supercharged Tacoma 4L V6 4WD |
Posted By: furpod
Date Posted: 19 Mar 2016 at 4:06pm
Have not towed it lately.. Lance is in production soon.. ------------- |
Posted By: J&Jcf
Date Posted: 20 Mar 2016 at 6:14pm
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Last August ,I bought a 12 ft aluminum row boat to use while camping with the pod.I have a f150 with 5.4 v8. I was getting 11 mpg towing without boat on top . with it on top I get 14 mpg. I have a capper even with cab roof and put rack on cap & cab roof to carry boat.I will probably take boat with me whether I plan on using it or not. ------------- J. - 2011 rpod 171 |
Posted By: StephenH
Date Posted: 20 Mar 2016 at 6:46pm
Then it is worth carrying for the fuel savings alone. Never hurts to be prepared for high water either. 
------------- StephenH Happy is the man that findeth wisdom,... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7712 - ouR escaPOD mods Former RPod 179 Current Cherokee Grey Wolf 24 JS |
Posted By: Pod People
Date Posted: 21 Mar 2016 at 9:30am
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We carry a canoe on top of our Ford Expedition almost all of the time when towing the R Pod. I don't remember the exact numbers, but our gas mileage was better by about 2 mpg with the canoe on top. I think it tends to break the wind hitting the front of the pod and send it around the sides.when the canoe is on the roof, it is taller than the r pod. Vann ------------- Vann & Laura 2015 RPod 179 https://postimg.cc/0zwKrfB9"> 
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Posted By: AnOutsider
Date Posted: 23 Mar 2016 at 3:23pm
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Hi All, first post (and thanks to the admins for approving me)! We've been looking into an rpod for a while, and one of the things we like about them are the lightweight and (originally) the aerodynamics. Reading up here (and elsewhere), it would seem the rpod isn't as aerodynamic as we originally thought compared to a boxier trailer (at least not enough to make a difference at 60mph). Even though it would cost less and give us more space, we'd still prefer an rpod over something like a clipper 17bh because the rpod feels like it's made better (and my wife thinks it's "cute"). I've seen the mention of the aeroplus (something we may or may not be able to use with our TV), but has anyone tried making the rpod itself more aerodynamic? I know there are companies that make and sell nose cones for trucks and trailers, has anyone tried adding one to the rpod to help combat the drag consequences of the frontal area?
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Posted By: marwayne
Date Posted: 23 Mar 2016 at 7:45pm
 ------------- If you want something done right, do it yourself. 2011 RP172, 2016 Tundra 5.7 Litre, Ltd. |
Posted By: AnOutsider
Date Posted: 23 Mar 2016 at 7:52pm
pretty cool! details?
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Posted By: marwayne
Date Posted: 23 Mar 2016 at 8:02pm
      ------------- If you want something done right, do it yourself. 2011 RP172, 2016 Tundra 5.7 Litre, Ltd. |
Posted By: Retroactive
Date Posted: 23 Mar 2016 at 8:38pm
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Skills! ------------- |
Posted By: Leo B
Date Posted: 23 Mar 2016 at 8:42pm
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That's quite a job!
------------- Leo & Melissa Bachand 2017 Ford F150 2021 Vista Cruiser 19 csk Previously owned 2015 Rpod 179 2010 Rpod 171 |
Posted By: StephenH
Date Posted: 23 Mar 2016 at 9:30pm
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That is great! How does it work with towing? Do you notice any improvement in mileage since you put it on or is it too early to tell?
------------- StephenH Happy is the man that findeth wisdom,... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7712 - ouR escaPOD mods Former RPod 179 Current Cherokee Grey Wolf 24 JS |
Posted By: AnOutsider
Date Posted: 23 Mar 2016 at 9:31pm
That's what I'm most curious about
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Posted By: marwayne
Date Posted: 23 Mar 2016 at 10:30pm
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I took the pod last year to the Goshen Rally 6500 km return trip. Mpg is a little early to tell since I was braking in a new truck. So far the thing I know for sure it tracks a lot better behind the truck. ------------- If you want something done right, do it yourself. 2011 RP172, 2016 Tundra 5.7 Litre, Ltd. |
Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 24 Mar 2016 at 9:07pm
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Definitely keep us posted on the long-term mpg results. One way to get some improvement in mpg is by using a tuner/programmer. Jury is still out how my inTune improves mpg while towing but during commuting with their mpg tune (which can't be used while towing) I'm seeing a 5-10% improvement. ------------- Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1723 - Pod instruction manual 
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Posted By: StephenH
Date Posted: 24 Mar 2016 at 10:39pm
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I think I will wait until the car goes out of warranty before I try using one of those. The AeroPlus seems to have helped quite a bit. By the latter part of April, I will have a longer trip finished which will include some mountain terrain (Western NC, Virginia, West, Virginia, Kentucky) as well as relatively flat terrain. I'll have a much better idea of the impact of the AeroPlus then. It won't quite be apples to apples though. I won't be trying to hit 65-70 mph. Top speed will be limited to 60 mph, as that is what PurpleLine says to prevent damage to the AeroPlus. While I think it can take higher speeds, 60 mph is not creeping along either. ------------- StephenH Happy is the man that findeth wisdom,... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7712 - ouR escaPOD mods Former RPod 179 Current Cherokee Grey Wolf 24 JS |