Overdrive Magazine | Trucking Business News & Owner Operator Info
Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/455137
36 | Overdrive | February 2015 EquipmEnt spotlight AEro DEvicEs Let it flow W hile truck body designers had started experi- menting with aerodynam- ics before the mid-1960s, Rudkin-Wiley Corp. took strategic curves for big rigs a bit further in 1965 when it introduced its bolt-on aero device. The Air-Shield retrofit was mounted on the cab roof to help guide air over the trailer and reduce drag at highway speeds. Advertisements for the device back in the day claimed fuel savings of $200 to $1,600 annually – a substantial amount in an era when diesel cost less than $1 a gallon. Today, not only are aero devices an acknowledged and recommended way to help improve fuel economy, some also are becom- ing mandatory for some owner-operators depending on where they run. California's Air Resourc- es Board issued regula- tory guidance last October saying the state is cleared to enforce elements of its emissions regulations that require truck and trailer owners to install aero de- vices and use certain tires. The rule went into effect in January 2010 and requires the use of SmartWay-veri- fied tires and other equip- ment on all new trucks and trailers. Legal requirements may vary regionally, but no mat- ter where owner-operators operate, they may be posi- tioned more advantageous- ly to benefit from using aero devices, says Mitch Greenberg of SmartTruck Systems, which makes the UT6-Plus aerodynamic package for trailers. Many independent drivers run dedicated loads and routes, measure their fuel mileage more consistently and run the same equipment every day, Greenberg says. Because of that more controlled environment, many differences that stem from using aero devices will present themselves more effectively and directly, which is often not the case for large fleets, Greenberg says. All's fair when fighting drag Aero devices work to combat drag, which is By Dean Smallwood Aerodynamic add-ons boost fuel economy Tractor aero system FlowBelow's Tractor AeroKit system includes wheel covers and is designed to work with many different wheel and tire configurations, including super singles. FlowBelow, flowbelow.com Wheel covers RealWheels says its Wheel Covers not only provide aerody- namic benefits, but also are designed for easy maintenance. The secure mounting brackets are universal, are simple to install and allow for complete wheel removal without having to remove the mounting brackets. RealWheels Aero Covers, realwheels.com/aero