V nosed travel trailers

[michael_h]

we've been on a search for our next trailer and in our travels have noticed Keystone does not seem to make a V nosed unit . . . any reason they may not be popular enough for Keystone to build any?

[bsmith0404]

They have less space and the V nose is difficult to make use of usable space. Also, this isn't necessarily a reason Keystone doesn't build them, but there is little to no gain with a V nose. When I was transporting, the common feeling among transporters was that we didn't want to pull them. They actually pulled harder and we got worse fuel mileage. I will never own a V nose trailer.

[hankpage]

Michael, Keystone did make a V nosed trailer called the VR1 for a few years. I thought the floorplans were impressive but I don't know why they stopped making them. JM2¢, Hank

[Desert185]

I have a v-nose 7x16 enclosed utility trailer that pulls like a dream. The V is vertical with the sides angled back. It used to be my son's race trailer that he towed with a Tacoma. He liked the towing characteristics compared to the smaller flat nose 7x14 trailer he has now that he tows with a Tundra.

If the V were oriented horizontally I think it would be more draggy and not tow as well, which is probably the configuration you're discussing.

[bsmith0404]

This is the type I'm talking about. These, park models, and Octane TH, were the ones I didn't like transporting. Maybe the higher profile, wider body, and additional weight of an RV over a 7x16 cargo trailer makes the difference. All I know is that I expected the V-nose RV to be much better to tow and better on fuel mileage than others, but was very disappointed and didn't like it at all.

[Desert185]

Originally Posted by bsmith0404

This is the type I'm talking about. These, park models, and Octane TH, were the ones I didn't like transporting. Maybe the higher profile, wider body, and additional weight of an RV over a 7x16 cargo trailer makes the difference. All I know is that I expected the V-nose RV to be much better to tow and better on fuel mileage than others, but was very disappointed and didn't like it at all.

Surprising. Must be something other than aerodynamics. That V front should tow better. The loss of space inside is a definite minus, though.

[hankpage]

Originally Posted by Desert185

That V front should tow better. The loss of space inside is a definite minus, though.

Actually, on the models that I looked at, all the space of the A frame was gained in living space and made the space between the TV and TT much smaller that should cut down on drag with a drafting effect.

[chuckster57]

Try putting a battery up in that space at the tongue. Also you can't use WD that uses chains, not enough room to flip the saddles with the bar.

[440justin]

The front face of the trailer actually sees a lot less air than you might think. With pickup trucks you actually have a low pressure Zone behind the cab when you have your tailgate up as your truck has already punched a large "hole" in the air. The rear of the trailer is where a lot of the drag is created, look at over the road truck trailers they are all adding rear dove tails and side skirts to reduce drag. You can also seen this in cars that are highly fuel efficient, they all have long sloping rears to release the air and reduce drag.

Some on the V nose layouts are kind of neat, so I would only buy one of you really love the floor plan, don't buy one of the only reason is for fuel economy as you will be disappointed.

Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk

[T3/T4 Hybrid]

Hey Michael,

I can give you some information on the V-Nose because I own a 2009 Keystone VR1 31BHS. We as a family really like the design and the storage space that the V-Nose gives us. The whole front of the trailer under the bunk area is storage. Their is a large storage area in the rear which goes all the way across. Also in the rear is the battery and propane tank storage. I can carry three 20LB tanks but I have found that two tanks have been enough.

When it comes to towing, I have not towed any other camper so I cant help you with that aspect for a comparison. But I have towed plenty of boats up to 26 foot and regular utility trailers. The 10K Equalizer WD Hitch setup seems to work fine. I have found that loading it a little nose heavy makes it tow better. The only issue I have found is a weird bouncing effect going over large bridges with the expansion joints and flex. I just slow down to lessen that bounce. Backing and turning has not been difficult once I practiced a few times with the wife.

The only thing I wish it had was an extra slide in the master bedroom. Me and the wife looked at those WindJammers. It's a sweet set up and the floor plans are nice!

Below are a few pictures of my truck and travel trailer.