NASHVILLE – FlowBelow Aero Inc. now offers two new technologies to complement the company’s fuel-saving Tractor AeroKit device. The company introduced the tractor-mounted AeroFender and a new trailer product called the Trailer AeroKit system at the Technology & Maintenance Council meeting here on Sunday.
The tractor-mounted AeroFender is a patented aerodynamic replacement for non-aerodynamic quarter fenders. The device installs in front of the forward-most drive wheels of single-axle and tandem-axle tractors and helps to direct airflow past the tractor drive wheels. The AeroFender may be used alone, but a higher total fuel savings can be realized when used in combination with wheel covers, center tandem fairings and rear tandem fairings on the tractor.
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The AeroFender is expected to be available in late 2017.
FlowBelow also revealed the Trailer AeroKit system, which it says is the first aerodynamic product of its kind mounted directly to the trailer suspension. The Trailer AeroKit uses wheel covers along with patented fairings in front, between and behind the wheels. The wheel covers and fairings work as a system to address the complex airflow around the trailer wheels and suspension. The system is designed to complement other trailer mounted aerodynamic devices such as trailer skirts and tails. It offers additive fuel savings when used in combination with other devices, depending on the combination of devices deployed. The Trailer AeroKit is expected to be available in late 2017.
"FlowBelow’s engineering and product expertise is in managing the airflow around the underbody and the wheels of the vehicle," said Josh Butler, CEO and Founder of FlowBelow Aero. "By expanding our line of products to the trailer, we will be able to build on the proven performance of the Tractor AeroKit and offer significant fuel-savings opportunities for fleets. The new Trailer AeroKit will be the first complete system to addresses the aerodynamic drag around the entire rear-wheel area of the trailer while maintaining easy access to the wheels."
FlowBelow Tractor AeroFender. Photo: FlowBelow
The company claims the products together will add less than 10 pounds to the weight of the truck. The air handling panels are made of fiberglass and mount to the existing hardware. Butler also noted that no fuel savings numbers are ready to be published yet, but early test are showing savings similar or better than the current Tractor AeroKit.
"We have obviously done some testing, but we are still working with the engineers and have not yet documented final drag reduction numbers," Butler says.
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Installation for the AeroFender can be done in 20 minutes or less, the company claims, while installation of the Trailer AeroKit will take less than 90 minutes.
The AeroFender and Trailer AeroKit will be on display at FlowBelow booth, number 1052, at the TMC trade show exhibit from February 27 – March 2, 2017. For more information please visit www.flowbelow.com.
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