Towing side by side enclosed vs in-line

[Hoosier]

I see many places that towing an in-line, say an 7 ft wide trailer is significant easier on a vehicle than an 8.5 ft wide trailer, even if the 7 ft wide trailer is longer and taller. I have a hard time seeing that the aerodynamics would be that much different, particularly if the wider trailer is shorter (clamshell). Can anyone explain why this is?

There's a lot of info on here about the various brands of trailers, and I have some people who have offered good advice, but we are getting closer to seriously looking for the next trailer, which will be enclosed, hold 3 or 4 sleds, and hopefully be able to be towed by a mid-sized SUV (the vehicles we currently have range from a 2014 4runner to a 2007 2WD Chevy 1/2 ton to a 2010 or so Tahoe with a 6.0). Hoping we can buy something the 4Runner can reasonably tow with the V6.

 

[tundra ron]

That 4Runner you have will pull a 3place 7ft wide 18ft long very well 4Runners are some off the toughest trucks SUV made. I have had Toyotas for 30 yrs.

 

[garyl62]

Would love to weigh in and give you some real hands on knowledge as we've shared info a lot over the past few years. You probably know I went from the drive on/off Triton clam 2 years ago to the 3 place inline NEO last season. Unfortunately for the advice side of things I also went from the Sport Trac to the Silverado at the same time so I can not give you a good comparison. Love the inline though and the NEO is great.

 

[srt20]

I own a 12ft clamshell triton elite. My riding buddy has a ~30ft legend 7ft wide trailer. I have towed both with my 2500 diesel. The biggest difference is the smoothness of his trailer. It's heavier and rides quieter and smoother. It's also easy to see around without the towing mirrors flipped up. My trailer is easy to see around but tow mirrors gotta be up.

To go up north, it's probably easier with my trailer. But when we go out west, we use his.
IMO on a shorter wheelbase vehicle with a smaller engine, a clamshell is a great option. A 21ft inline even all aluminum($$$) is still going to be much heavier than a clamshell.
I can get 1-156, 1-136, and 1-121 sled in my trailer. Short one has to be backwards though. I would think 3-121s would be a piece of cake. Or 3-136 poo pro-ride chassis would be easy as well.
We put 3-163 and 1-156 in his trailer with plenty of room for tools, parts,gas cans, and generator. But your 4runner probably wouldn't like towing his trailer size.

 

[Hoosier]

Would love to weigh in and give you some real hands on knowledge as we've shared info a lot over the past few years. You probably know I went from the drive on/off Triton clam 2 years ago to the 3 place inline NEO last season. Unfortunately for the advice side of things I also went from the Sport Trac to the Silverado at the same time so I can not give you a good comparison. Love the inline though and the NEO is great.

Thanks again Gary for the offer. I will get in touch with you sometime sooner than later. How long is your neo 3 place?

 

[Hoosier]

That 4Runner you have will pull a 3place 7ft wide 18ft long very well 4Runners are some off the toughest trucks SUV made. I have had Toyotas for 30 yrs.

It's my friends 4runner. He just got it this past year. But that's good to know.