Laydon Composites has unveiled its new Hybrid and seven-panel Classic version TrailerSkirts, which have been certified to comply with Environmental Protection Agency and California Air Resources Board requirements.

The new skirts meet the requirements under California's greenhouse gas rule, which mandates new 53-foot van trailers to be fitted with aero devices that reduce fuel consumption by a minimum of 4 percent for refrigerated vans and 5 percent for dry vans. The rule, which went into effect Jan. 1, covers any trailer that is designated a 2011 model year.

Canada-based Laydon Composites now offers a total of five aerodynamic devices to comply with the rule, including three for dry vans and two for refrigerated trailers.

The fairings are available on new trailer orders so that fleets are in compliance with their 2011 model-year trailers.

"At LCL we use computational fluid dynamics to design the optimum shapes, clearances, profiles and surface finishes complete with full-scale and 1/8th scale wind-tunnel testing," said Brian Layfield, president. "Then we verify that the computer models deliver the real-world savings we anticipate using SAE Type 2 tests, usually at the Goodyear proving grounds."

The trailer side skirts are produced from automotive/tractor-grade plastic, Layfield says, which offers a low coefficient of expansion and contraction.

"We also choose a material with a good UV package for color retention, offering standard gray or white," Layfield said. "More importantly, the side skirts are the most resistant in the industry to curbing or railroad-track damage. The full-flex struts made from Exxon Santoprene allow up to 90 degree bending of the panels over obstructions and a full, totally undamaged return to the original shape and position after deflection even in cold-weather situations."

More info: www.laydoncomp.com