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Old 07-01-2007, 11:21 AM   #1
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Airstream and the slipstream effect?

For those that had traveled on the interstate with there Airsteam in tow, How does it react to the slipstream or vacuum created by other large trucks and trailers, compared to conventional campers? Does the contour of the Airsteam break this vacuum?

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Old 07-01-2007, 11:24 AM   #2
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Yes it does. You do feel a very slight wind disturbance as simi -trucks pass by but ever so slight. I visit Palm Springs several times during the year and it gets pretty windy through the canyon. Have no problem controlling the TV or the AS with the proper setup.

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Old 07-01-2007, 11:27 AM   #3
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Nothing can escape the vortex created by a semi blowing by you at a high rate of speed. I am sure that the design of the Airstream would cause a decline in the amount of suck because it is not shaped like a shoe box. You can greatly reduce the effect of the passing semi with the proper setup, both hitch and TV.
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Old 07-01-2007, 11:38 AM   #4
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My '77 Excella 500 31' towed by a '92 Chevy Z71 4X4 with LT265-75-16 D rated tires was sucked in my 18 wheelers and then pushed away when they overtook and passed me in the left lane. Changing to a '01 2500hd with E rated tires stopped most of this. I currently tow an '86 Sovereign 25' with Hensley hitch and hardly notice a thing when they pass me. I have noticed the SOB trailers being passed by an 18 wheeler and they wobble all over the road. Does the Airstream shape have less an effect when being passed? I'd have to say yes.
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Old 07-01-2007, 11:44 AM   #5
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I have heard that a Hensley also gets rid of a fair amount of this.

Additionally, I find that as the tanks (grey, black and fresh) fill (don't have to be totally full), the trailer seems to track better and produce even less of an issue when passed by a large semi.
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Old 07-01-2007, 11:44 AM   #6
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Agree with all the above, but we avoid the problem by staying off interstates. Take the back roads and enjoy rural America. After all, getting there is half the fun. You know that.
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Old 07-01-2007, 11:46 AM   #7
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I agree, there are some great back roads that are simply phenominal to be on. One such trip we took, we went through MN, on the west side of the Mississippi rather than take the Interstate. It was one of the most memorable road trips we've taken!
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Old 07-02-2007, 10:04 AM   #8
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Not always possible

Quote:
Originally Posted by ScottW
Agree with all the above, but we avoid the problem by staying off interstates. Take the back roads and enjoy rural America. After all, getting there is half the fun. You know that.
Out here in the west, it's not always a viable option. Especially if you have to drive 6 - 8 hours (or more) one way to get where you're going in a limited amount of time. I do agree with the idea of back roads when possible....
I also have found that the TV can make a big difference in getting pushed around. My current rig is pretty solid in the wind.
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Old 07-02-2007, 10:15 AM   #9
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Dave is correct. You do have to travel further then we do to get to a nice location. The TV really does make a difference. My 1 ton Ford, diesel, 4x4 weighs almost as much as my 'stream.
Back to the original thread, however. The Airstream (hence the name) does make a difference in the wind and with passing large traffic. I pull horse trailers - both bumper pull and goose neck. The airstream is much more stable on the road, and at the campsite during wind storms.
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Old 07-02-2007, 10:33 AM   #10
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flow-through

I suppose you could leave the windows open on both sides and let the air go back and forth as the trucks pass.
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Old 07-02-2007, 11:28 AM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Fyrzowt
I also have found that the TV can make a big difference in getting pushed around. My current rig is pretty solid in the wind.
Dave
For sure!

We first towed our 23 with a Z71 Half ton.

Then quickly changed to a Nissan M-Van and was suprised to feel that the affect of the passing transport trucks was "less".

Now using a modern sport sedan the push pull effect is reduced to "hardly noticed".

All 3 vehicles used the same Reese hitch and 23' Safari.
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Old 07-02-2007, 11:37 AM   #12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Excella CM
I suppose you could leave the windows open on both sides and let the air go back and forth as the trucks pass.
I'd sure hate to replace one of my windows should they hit a gust of wind and I'd say this is not good on TV gas mileage.
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Old 07-03-2007, 10:20 AM   #13
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I think it is better than if you were in another brand of trailer - but the danger is still there. You have to be aware and on top of your game all the time.

Happy traveling - Pat.
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