Snap On/Off Aero Wheel Covers
 

I was at the Mid-America Truck Show in Louisville,KY yesterday and was pleased to see various aeromods (intended for semi trucks). I was particulalrly pleased to see at least 3 different types of sero wheel covers.

One design that I was particularly impressed by was by a company called "Flow Below":

http://ecomodder.com/forum/member-di...ks-company.jpg

The covers can be purchased separately or as part of a kit that includes additional fairings:

http://www.flowbelow.com/img/kitslide-overview.jpg

What I loved about the design is the "snap on/off" feature. To remove the cover you simply push the button in the ceter and twist slightly and it pops right off. To re-install, it simply pops back on. Simple and easy.

http://www.flowbelow.com/img/prod-hands.jpg

I talked the the gentlemen at the exhibit (who I believe was the owner and inventor). He said the cost (for the whole aero kit) was $2500 and 3rd party testing had verified fuel savings of 2.2%.

The only sad news for us Ecomodders is that it's currently only made for 22.5" & 24" rims.

FYI, here's the company's website, which I'm afraid doesn't have a ton of detail:
Tractor Aerodynamics Products : FlowBelow

Seems pretty pricey, but I guess for someone doing 30,000+ miles a year at 7 mpg it's probably worth it.

I think they were quoting a payback period of around 2 years. So I guess that means it would save you $1250 /year. I'm sure that depends on many factors, but it reasonable economically.

I was happy to see these on some trucks already

The addition of the fairings is pretty cool too. Although, when will they just extend the gas tank cover all the way back to skirt the rear wheels in completely? The wheel covers are another great idea that hopefully transitions into the next better version.

I see day trippers that are corporate owned (Wal-Mart) adopting these long before the "loads of chrome" open road (privately owned) parties jump on board...