Howdies!

Back in black...

 

Had some time to work on the next belly pan since the weather was so nice.
Built up the support structure similar to the previous one. I think I figured out how to install the wheel belly pan since the air bag support is extended out. It will be based on the bolts that hold the air bag in place and will use spacers to build in an upper support rail to secure the wheel belly pan in place. The rail will not move up in down with the wheel fork but the rail will allow the wheel fork to move without interfering with the fork's movement.
I was able to use a scrap aluminum window frame as my crossbeam to attach my support rails for the main belly pan.
A quick piccie of the updated belly pan...

Used 2 "L" brackets to make a "U" shaped setup.


A quick mockup of the belly pan...


I will install a 90 degree fer the air spring bag valve so it will be pointing to the rear and allow me to hook up a remove fill valve later.
Air valve installed...


Side rail view...

Another quick mock up of the belly pan...

 

Got more work done...

Standoffs completed...



Front reflector/deflector in place...

Wheel pant taking shape...



The exposed section near the wheel axle will be covered over with some steel flashing and secured in place. I still have spacers to make up for the tail as well as the front cover.

 

All fixed up and ready for a test run!

Tucked up underneath...

I had an air leak somewhere in the air bag setup so I had to take it all apart and replaced the Rectorseal Blue with some Loctite red 242. No more leaks!
A quick run to my son's school yielded some serious head snapping! Outside of that, everything held up fine.

 

Rear shot of the wheel pant...


I might enclose the top of the wheel pant above the top of the wheel later on down the line.

 

Got on the road and hit traffic in Hearne.


Indicated mileage from College Station to Denton was 27.6mpg at 65mph. Stopped for a bathroom break and dinner with my son. Indicated mileage from Denton to Ardmore (first fill up) was 29.4mpg at 65mph. Calculated mileage (distance/gallons) was 28.3mpg! Best ever for this run with the trailer!

Indicated mileage from Ardmore to Wichita was 30.4mpg at 65mph. Actual gas mileage (distance/gallons) was 31.77mpg at 65mph! Second best run for this drive from College Station to Wichita and best run to date with the trailer in tow!

Last year's run was 26.04mpg from College Station to Ardmore (with a stop in Denton) and 28.11mpg from Ardmore to Wichita.

 

Belly pan view from the backside...

 

Spotted in Baytown today!

 

Now with a receiver hitch on the trailer! I will be using this to jack the rear end up when I need to service the wheel.


...and with my Sparebumper installed.

 

This thing terrifies me. But glad you like it!

 

What terrifies you about it?

It's a fun project that challenges me. Not sure there anything else like it in the USA or the world that I know of.

 

Mostly it's construction.. I'd hate to be driving behind you and have a zip tie break..



Like I said, I'm happy you like it!! It certainly is unique.

 

That part is just a spacer. I will eventually replace it with a mechanical fastener aka a bolt and nut.

Getting close to 40mpg if I drive at 55mph...but that would be just for bragging rights as I don't think I could drive that slow for very long. *Cue Sammy Hagar...

 

Night shot! I added some high visibility tape to the Sparebumper.

 

Current view from about 100' away...

 

Rear shot...

 

Hitch has been reinforced and is able to handle the duty of lifting the back end up! There is enough clearance to swivel the wheel assembly around. I didn't even drill a hole fer the pin.





I will have to clean up the square tubing and paint it.

 

New nose for the wheel pant!

Doing some flex exercises...

Looking to install some valve extensions so the fill valve will be at the rear.

 

Finished out the trailer belly pan...



It ended up with a fish tail pattern. So now the trailer will always fish tail!

 

So at some point do you plan to improve the physical appearance of this and maybe replace the cardboard with say fiberglass?
I got to be honest with you, its pretty ugly

Now I know the appearance has nothing to do with the intent of the project, but I can only imagine what your neighbors think of it. Some better paneling and a fresh coat of paint would really help finish it off