Quote:
Originally Posted by skyking
Don, thanks for posting. The loading dock is the big problem, and making a "transformer" like trailer is the only and non-practical answer that I can see. If you could count on high overhead clearance at the dock or backing to the dock, you could retract a fairing up and over the roof. Unfortunately this is never the case. Can't make it retract to the sides because you are backing the dock with other trucks, etc.
have you looked into a sliding side system that retracts boat tail panels into the respective sides and roof? It would reduce the loading area width a bit but the rest of the trailer would be unmolested.
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Loading docks are indeed a big problem - especially the load forces induced on the rear-frames when the trailers reverse up and dock up to the buffers.
As you're talking about boat-tails, then this is unfortunately illegal in the UK as the fairing exceeds overall length. The only answer would be to shorten the trailer - but that then reduces load space and becomes unviable.
Tapering is the tempting solution, but again, rear aperture width is critical due to standard width loading ramps that come off the bay into the back to level out the floor (also known as dock levellers). Dock equipment is very expensive and operators will not be willing to start changing all dock levellers to suit "new fangled aero trailers".
The only answer left is to introduce aerodynamic "tricks" at the rear, incorporating diffusers or something else in an attempt to reduce that rear suction pocket.
As yet, we have not seen anything better than our MK2 Teardrop rearframe but are always on the lookout.