Quote:
Originally Posted by Big Dave
Prowling the Midwest’s Interstates as I do, I see a lot of the MVT aero-trailers with the folding tail, smooth disc wheel covers, and under-trailer fairing.
These guys are not doing this for PR purposes. Trucking is a ruthlessly competitive biz and every little edge matters. Obviously this elaborate aero treatment is saving them appreciable amounts in fuel of they wouldn’t be doing it on such a wide scale.
I’ve been thinking about something like this, only motor-operated remotely controlled from the cab. In an urban/suburban setting there is such a thing as “too much tail.” Most vehicles are not afforded the slack given to school buses and garbage trucks. In an urban setting speeds are usually low and a long tail doesn’t buy you much.
Likewise I don’t have an unlimited garage. My truck nearly fills the space allocated for it. Bondo’s tailgate plug, if fixed, would not fit. Because I drive a lot of open road, alonger tail is obviously desirable.
What would work is having one or two 12v motors that folded/unfolded a plug much like the Class 8 trailers. In the garage or around town the tail is folded against the tailgate, maybe adding 6 inches of overall length (acceptable). Once out on the road the driver unfolds it to reap the reward of lower coefficient of drag.
Here in the windy Midwest a third motor would provide a solid lockdown to use against strong cross or tailwinds. Last spring, I didn’t get my ARE flat tonneau fastened down tightly and a crosswind got under it and ripped it off the truck. I had to chase it 50 yards out into a muddy cornfield. No fun.
Any folding tail appliance had to be able to be quickly and positively secured.
With all this machinery on it, the tailgate will probably need a balance spring or gas struts to make lifting the tailgate possible.
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I believe that an inflatable tail can be 60-inches in length for a semi.
With a folding lower support,to dampen aero-elastic effects the envelope would maintain its shape and remain stationary with low inflation pressure.
We could finally get to Hucho's recommendation for the 1930's German tail.
