Airstream Puts Travel Trailer Aerodynamics To The Test

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Airstream conducted aerodynamics studies last summer at the Auto Research Center in Indianapolis and found that one of its 28-foot travel trailers had 25% less drag in wind tunnel testing than a competitor’s 35-ft trailer. (Photo courtesy of Airstream.)

Recent aerodynamic studies conducted by Airstream at the Auto Research Center (ARC) in Indianapolis indicated that a 28-foot (8.5-meter) Airstream travel trailer had 25% less aerodynamic drag than a 35-ft (10.7-m) trailer from a competing brand. Airstream used its test results to explore how adding, subtracting, and adjusting various trailer exterior features and components could make its iconic silver bullet RV design less susceptible to drag. The manufacturer plans to use its data to guide future product developments, with a particular focus on mitigating air turbulence between the travel trailer and towing vehicle.

Aerodynamically Speaking

Airstream says its riveted aluminum shell design hasn’t strayed far from the one that founder Wally Byam developed back in the 1930s, drawing inspiration from the Streamline Moderne art deco movement popular at the time. The company has periodically undertaken studies to make its RVs more aerodynamic, however, including a similar project in the 1970s that led to various engineering and product developments. The recent study at ARC occurred last summer and focused on reducing Airstream trailers’ environmental impact, as well as the increasing adoption of electric vehicles by customers.

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Among the areas where Airstream is focusing its future aerodynamics research and development is how to mitigate the air turbulence that occurs between a travel trailer and its towing vehicle. (Image courtesy of Airstream.)

The studies involved the use of computational flow dynamic modeling (CFD), and creating one-quarter scale travel trailer models to test in ARC’s wind tunnel. Early testing phases confirmed the computer simulation predictions of Airstream’s RV having 25% less drag. Airstream then made various adjustments to the scale model to understand how altering exterior components would impact aerodynamics. The company worked especially hard to reduce turbulence between the tow vehicle and trailer. Airstream says it’s impossible to avoid some turbulence, reducing the phenomenon as much as possible lessens a trailer’s overall drag and lightens the workload of the tow vehicle.

Looking Ahead

During the tests, Airstream explored the effects of using deflectors and fairings on its scale model, moving exterior features around the trailer’s rooftop, lifting the travel trailer shell, and hiding various features in the chassis’ basement.

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Airstream’s aerodynamic studies involved the use of computer modeling, scale models, and wind tunnel testing. (Photo courtesy of Airstream.)

“While it was easy to conclude that Airstream travel trailers are already highly aerodynamic, the team found a much more nuanced story to tell in the incremental game of aerodynamic improvement,” Airstream reports. “What’s clear is this: The potential for improvements on Airstream’s already aerodynamic design lies in incremental changes that eventually equate to measurable differences.”

You can learn more about Airstream’s studies on its Live Riveted Blog.

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Source: Airstream