More semi aeromods

[Daox]

I hadn't seen aeromods like this before. I've really just seen the tails and side skirts. I'm not real sure what part C does... Anyway, just more ideas to chew on.

Aerodynamic add-ons reduce fuel consumption of semi trucks by 7-12% - Autoblog Green

[MetroMPG]

I wondered about part C also - and guessed it's to send air around the "bumper" / structure rather than through it.

AND... I wondered if these were replacements for the side skirt approach. Not really necessary if there are skirts, I don't think.

[almightybmw]

I would think those would be in the way and collect more winter grime than a pair of easily removable side skits that are flexible. It was just a couple months ago someone posted a company that made skits that would flex if they hit something, but held their ground at 65mph. They also flipped up or removed and could be placed completely out of the way for servicing the trailer.

I don't think these current renditions are a great step. but at least someone is thinking about the problem and making solutions, even if they aren't the best ones.

[ChazInMT]

I was under the impression too that the "A" deflector was wider and routed air outside the rear tires as well. I see in this rendition such is not the case. Wonder why that is?

[vacationtime247]

Some Interstate roads allow dual 48 or 53ft trailers to be hauled in tandem by a single truck. Also, 3 triple trailers (pup) are hauled by a single day cab. Wonder if there would be any mpg gain if drivers only hauling single could hook to a purpose built 'boat tail' style trailer and haul tandem?
Used to drive loads from Anderson, IN to Tonawanda, NY. I-80 / 90 allowed doubles / triples.
VT247

[groar]

About "C" I think first goal is to prevent cars to go too far under the truck in case of rear collision to save the life of the inattentive driver. This is mandatory in Europe.

Denis.

[redneck]

Originally Posted by groar

About "C" I think first goal is to prevent cars to go too far under the truck in case of rear collision to save the life of the inattentive driver. This is mandatory in Europe.Denis.

It's mandatory here in the USA also and is called a ICC bumper.

ICC
Acronym for Interstate Commerce Commission. The U.S. federal body formerly charged with enforcing Acts of Congress affecting interstate commerce. The ICC was decommissioned in 1993.


ICC Bumper
A bumper typically made out of 3" to 4" steel channel stock, usually about 75% of the width of the trailer, suspended half the distance from the trailer floor to the pavement with a strong enough bracing to meet federal regulations governing underride guards.


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[DonR]

Part C is shown st the same height as the ICC bumper in the picture.

I don't really understand Part C. It it were as wide as the tires & tapers up to the ICC bumper, I think it would work better. It would also then take the place of the mandatory mud flaps, which would still be required.

[redneck]

I talked with a representative of Smart Truck today. I asked him the purpose of part C. He explained to me that part C was a rear diffusser and that the whole Under Tray System was designed to compress and tunnel the air. Thus speeding it up before entering the low pressure area. If you look closely at the bottom of part C you will notice a slight downward angle that helps with final compression.

I told him about this website so maybe he will chime in later.



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[aerohead]

Originally Posted by vacationtime247

Some Interstate roads allow dual 48 or 53ft trailers to be hauled in tandem by a single truck. Also, 3 triple trailers (pup) are hauled by a single day cab. Wonder if there would be any mpg gain if drivers only hauling single could hook to a purpose built 'boat tail' style trailer and haul tandem?
Used to drive loads from Anderson, IN to Tonawanda, NY. I-80 / 90 allowed doubles / triples.
VT247

That's the $Trillion idea! If you're first to the Patent Office and you can obtain venture capital for commercial production you'll amass a fortune that would make Xerxes blush.