Orlando--ATDynamics on Sunday announced the launch of TrailerTail AutoDeploy system at the American Trucking Associations Management Conference and Exhibition in Orlando, Fla. along with other product news.
The TrailerTail AutoDeploy systems uses radar technology mounted under the semi-trailer to measure vehicle speed and automatically deploy the TrailerTail when a tractor-trailer reaches a driving speed of 35 mph. Once the threshold is met, the TrailerTail deploys slowly, regulated by a swing-arm dampening device. ATDynamics says the AutoDeploy system ensures that fleets investing in rear-drag trailer aerodynamics equipment receive the fuel efficiency gains delivered by TrailerTail equipment for every highway mile driven.
“For over-the-road trucking fleets…the single most important fuel efficiency upgrade is the integration of ATDynamics TrailerTail equipment to eliminate drag at the rear flat surface of the trailer. This aerodynamic drag is costing trucking companies $2-3 billion annually in unnecessary fuel expense,” said Andrew Smith, CEO of ATDynamics. “Standard TrailerTail systems seen on highways nationwide require minimal driver interaction. The new TrailerTail AutoDeploy systems launched today eliminates driver interaction with TrailerTail devices altogether and ensure maximum fuel efficiency for the industry.”
Also announced on Sunday was the TrailerTail AutoAware system, which is similar to the AutoDeploy system, with the addition of a driver notification light on the front left corner of the trailer. The notification light is visible in a driver’s rear-view mirror and alerts the driver when a TrailerTail is deployed and the vehicle is moving in reverse.
Both the AutoDeploy and AutoAware systems utilize automotive radar technology found in adaptive cruise control and collision avoidance systems. The driver notification light in the AutoAware system is similar to the alert lights commonly used by tire pressure inflation systems and trailer refrigeration units to notify drivers of significant air pressure loss to tires or temperature inconsistencies.
The company also said it will expand and revamp its TrailerTail product line next year. The flagship TrailerTail will be rebranded as TrailerTail 4X4 (four-sided, four-foot long device), and it will introduce TrailerTail Tridenet 3X3, a three-sided, three-foot long device, as well as custom TrailerTail solutions that are less than three-feet long for unique trailer configurations and for markets with regulatory length restrictions.
TrailerTails have been third party tested using SAE J1321 Type II test protocol to reduce tractor-trailer fuel consumption by 5.54%, increasing tractor-trailer fuel economy by 0.3 to 0.5 miles per gallon, when used with skirted trailers. ATDynamics says the TrailerTail Trident, reduces fuel consumption by 5.09%, also when used with skirted trailers.
