Do aerodynamic trailers cost less to tow compared to boxy designs?

Experienced long-haul truckers, whose income relies on maximizing fuel efficiency, will confirm that aerodynamic trailers are more economical to tow than bulky, boxy ones.

However, truckers face the challenge of hauling fully loaded trailers packed with items like flour sacks, concrete boxes, or gym equipment. To enhance aerodynamics, they use gap fairings, rear fairings, and side skirts, which minimize turbulence and wind resistance, allowing the trailer to glide smoothly on the highway. For large tractor-trailer operators, these aerodynamic upgrades can save approximately 800 gallons (3,028 liters) of fuel annually — enough to power an average San Jose, Calif., driver for a full year.

For those hitting the road with a travel trailer attached to a minivan packed with energetic kids on summer break, aerodynamics plays a unique role. Teardrop trailers, with their wider front near the car and tapered rear, offer the most aerodynamic design. When the trailer's height stays below the towing vehicle's roofline, airflow smoothly passes over both, reducing drag. These trailers are often lightweight, easing the strain on the towing vehicle's engine. However, like the most fuel-efficient cars, aerodynamics alone isn't enough for savings—it's the blend of shape, lightweight materials, and smart design that makes the difference. Effortless towing made simple.

Why don’t more people opt for teardrop trailers? The answer often lies in the need for standing space. Even the most ingeniously designed teardrop trailer has limited room at the rear. In contrast, a boxy travel trailer allows you to move freely from front to back, with only the occasional bump on a forgotten bunk bed. While teardrop trailers maximize space with storage or an exterior kitchen, these features aren’t ideal for accommodating kids overnight. And no, the fold-out kitchen isn’t a safe spot for children.