Mesilla Valley Transportation?

I had 8 months with M-V-T. If you're not Mexican, you'll clear customs for their team drivers who get the miles, and you get the junk left overs... And don't trust them to be respectful of other drivers. I've had my cell phone stolen in the drivers lounge, while I was showering.

 

I thought I'd seen it all...... but sometimes I like to go by the local t.s. like I did today and there it was........

Mesilla Valley has always been on the cutting edge of fuel economy with the Pro Stars...and then the hub caps on the drives, super singles and finally the skirt under the trailer....well today they had something new......taperd panels extending the rear of the 53' about 2 feet. The panels taper into a square cone about half the size of the doors and the bottom one was shaped in a upside down "V". Looks ugly as sheet but if it works, who cares.

JMO: the air rolling off the trailer creates a vortex ( tornado) behind the trailer...all true...so what are they thinking ? These panels move the vortex away from the trailer and reduce drag? Naw.....

Why not just take one of those groovy wings and mount it under the trailer in front of the tandems and create lift ? Or do like them M.I.T. boys did with the variable suspension and skirts? They got a loaded Ford 9000 over 10 mpg in cruise......

 

http://www.atdynamics.com/mvt.htm

so what about when its minus 50 degrees and the joints and hinges are covered in ice and snow, still only 4 seconds to fold up flush to the doors? LOL

 

Good link, thanks.... Just wait til a driver mashes one in close quarters, like at the t.s.? or will he stop in the lane and fold it up?...... and what about snow accumulation? Won't take long for that mess to collapse under wet snow or do they expect the snow to just whisk away?

 

Another thought: Some smart arse bear is gonna cite them for over length. Member all the sheet when 53's came on scene ?

Instead of all the aerodynamics...... why not know your bottom line and price your freight accordingly ?