[Christ]

Jeez... I'm pretty sure that's not a new idea at all. In fact, I know for sure it's not new. And lets apply the logic here: You cover the giant rotating windmill causing piece of rubber, and you're going to get better aero, with less drag, creating better fuel efficiency.

If you want to go the next step, cover the friggin wheels. Do you REALLY have to see the tires while you're in the cab looking forward? It's not like any other driver on the road really cares that your tires are huge. And covering them is a safety issue as well... less chance of a tread blowing off your drive tires into the car next to and slightly behind you.

The added weight doesn't even come close to offsetting the efficiency gains that can be had there... and most drivers will cite the weight as a reason they don't do it. It takes away from the total load weight they can carry. Of course, you never hear one of them complain when they have their own truck that has real wood accents and such in it, which all add to the weight.

I understand that truckers tend to live in their trucks... but with the money OTR O/O's could save by adding a few pounds, they could probably afford to rent a place for a week every where they stop! (Some, not all, obviously.)