Michelin Adds Trailer Skirt, Mud Flaps to Portfolio

Michelin has added a skirt kit and mud flaps to its Energy Guard portfolio of products.

Michelin Energy Guard Lite Skirt Kit

The new patented integrated rib cover allows for easier installation, using only three brackets compared with the standard four to five brackets. Its top fairing is compatible with all trailer configurations and flush to the edge as to not interfere or cause damage while docking, Michelin officials said in a press release. It also offers:

up to 66% higher ground clearance (15 inches versus 9 inches)
lighter weight to maximize load capacity
integrated stiffener to allow for the use of three Generation-2 brackets while reducing weight and install time.
a modular solution that fits almost all trailer sizes from 28-foot pup trailers to 53-foot long box trailers.

“This latest edition to the Energy Guard family is going to mean even more savings to the fleet owners and drivers on the road today who want a concise, lower-maintenance SmartWay solution,” said Karen Schwartz, B2B vice president of marketing for Michelin North America. “This latest addition to fleet accessories is expected to reduce overall operational costs, saving up to 7.2 gallons for every 1,000 miles driven when paired a 53-foot box trailer.”

Michelin Energy Guard Mud Flaps

Also debuting as part of the Energy Guard line are the Michelin Energy Guard Mud Flaps designed through advanced research and development to reduce vehicle drag. The low-flex and anti-sail design helps keep Energy Flaps straight while the vehicle is in motion. The patented mounted surface assures optimal installation without drilling. The Gen 2 flap is made with up to 60-80% recycled materials.

The new mud flaps will be available in sizes: 18”Wx30”L, 24”x24,” 24”x30” and 24”x28.”

“This new Michelin Energy Guard Mud Flap – with its advanced technological construction, UV resistance, and ability to withstand operating temperatures from -40°F to 212°F (-40°C – 100°C) – is designed to increase safety with optimally dispersed water spray downward, away from vehicles and out of the driver’s sideview,” Schwartz said.

Utility Trailer Selects Michelin Mud Falp as Standard Reefer Fitment

Michelin Energy Guard Mud Flaps will be a standard fitment for all of Utility’s refrigerated trailers starting in the second half of 2023.
Photo: Michelin

Michelin and Utility Trailer have reached an agreement to deliver Michelin Energy Guard Mud Flaps as standard fitment for all of Utility’s refrigerated trailers starting in the second half of 2023.

The accessory, also available to dry van customers, is designed to reduce fuel and maintenance costs to all fleet customers.

“Through years of joint testing, and as leaders in the development of aerodynamics, Michelin and Utility are replacing the standard mud flap and introducing a more durable and sustainable alternative,” said Schwartz.

The new progressive louvered design helps reduce vehicle drag, optimizes louver spacing for high air pass-through, and features a low-flex, anti-sail design to help keep mud flaps straight and flat while in motion. They are also designed to deflect road spray and debris downward, as well as enable better side-view visibility for drivers and improved visibility and safety for drivers of surrounding vehicles.

“Michelin’s Energy Guard Mud Flap coupled with Utility’s Side Skirt and optional Trailer Tail is designed to help meet Utility’s goal of making our refrigerated trailer the most aerodynamic and efficient refrigerated trailer on the market,” said Steve Bennett, president and chief operating officer of Utility in a press release.