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New trailers with skirts.

Discussion in 'Trucks [ Eighteen Wheelers ]' started by Tazz, May 6, 2011.

  1. May 6, 2011 #1
    Tazz

    Tazz Road Train Member

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    Just mentioning our new trailers.

    We replaced 150 trailers with 2011 Stoughton Zplate's 53' with a "green wing" skirt. Always thought they were kinda silly looking and prone to being smashed at some of our less traveled customer locations. And still say you have to pay considerably more attention when crossing any raised area (RR Trax, Intersection with large crown, drive way with inclines......)


    However I have over the last month gained 3/10 a mile in MPG(7.3-7.6) and having driven through some pretty heavy winds will say contrary to logic they stabalize a trailer in cross winds. I always figured more surface area for the wind to catch meant more "pushing around" by high winds. Not the case.

    Really kinda liking them. They are also the composite 101 wide so no more crappy azzed plywood and armco to cover on our fragile loads.


    Regardless of trailer make I would look into adding or building skirts if it is feasible for any operation.
     
    Tazz, May 6, 2011
    Tazz, May 6, 2011
    #1
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  3. May 6, 2011 #2
    Cowpie1

    Cowpie1 Road Train Member

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    Kellogg, IA
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    Was talking with another O/O at my carrier who tested one of our trailers with the skirts and he was saying his average MPG went up about the same as yours.

    I think there are some better designs out there for trailers than the side skirts that would reduce any risk of damage from high centering the trailer. One thing that has me confused is why I have seen no maker of these products ever consider covering the cross members on the underside of the typical van/reefer. There is a lot of turbulence from those cross members and fastening a thin layer of sheet metal across most of the underside would smooth out the underside of the trailer.

    The designs I have seen that tend to actually divert the air around and under the rear axles seem to be a better solution. Of course, actual practice and ROI will determine if it actually is a better solution. There really is no need to run a skirt the entire length of the trailer, if an aerodynamic device were located in front of the rear axles that diverted the air around and under them, that should suffice. And, these could be attached to the slider in such a way that they move with the axles, so there is no gap.

    Either way, addressing aerodyanamics of the trailer is here and I am for it. Anything that saves money in the long run is good.
     
    Cowpie1, May 6, 2011
    Cowpie1, May 6, 2011
    #2
  4. May 6, 2011 #3
    wichris

    wichris Road Train Member

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    Jan 17, 2011
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    If you run west with them you will see higher heat on the tires/brakes. Tires can be 20-30 degrees hotter. 3-4 tenths increase is about normal.
     
    wichris, May 6, 2011
    wichris, May 6, 2011
    #3
  5. May 6, 2011 #4
    FLATBED

    FLATBED Road Train Member

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    Back behind the Wheel and out of the OFFICE
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    Saw some brand new 48' Container Chassis in Ontario Canada with the SKIRTS , heard about them on flatbeds as well as tankers ( not yey seen in person ) .
     
    FLATBED, May 6, 2011
    FLATBED, May 6, 2011
    #4
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