Quote:
Originally Posted by Hersbird
Why can't a semi use a simple gap filler that goes a bit down the side of the trailer and be spring loaded so it flexes out in a turn and returns to center. You might have to also tie both sides together so the outside fairing also pulls away in a turn so it doesn't bind as the trailer comes into place. Basically like gills of a fish.
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It could work for an operation where the tractor and trailer are owned by the same company and they are willing to make modifications to the trailer. (Like using welded corners on the front of the box instead of rivets that could snag on the cab extender. The geometry could also get tricky because the 5th wheel moves fore and aft so the driver can balance the axle weights so it would have to work with the complete range of trailer gaps. You would also need to be OK with the extender rubbing on the trailer and damaging the paint on both.
A big issue for aero on tractor trailers is that most of the time the tractor and trailer aren’t owned by the same company. The trailer owner has little incentive to spend money to reduce someone else’s fuel bill. They just want a cheap generic box trailer that any tractor can transport. Likewise a truck owner can’t make mods that limit the types of trailers he can tow.
Edit: The truck also can’t be more than 102 inches wide and trailers are already that wide on the outside. Your typical trailer is 99 inches wide inside so you can put two 48 inch pallets side by side. That leaves an inch on each side and an inch between pallets for room to maneuver them.