TrailerBlade Flap: Highway to Savings and Sustainability
A couple of weeks ago, we wrote
about how TrailerBlade side skirts reduce fuel consumption, and about
some of the science behind it. But, even with the 7.15% improvement in fuel
economy afforded by the TrailerBlade family of side skirts, that isn’t the end
of the road for reductions in fuel consumption — or for greater savings.
That’s because, accompanying available side skirt options,
TrailerBlade is also proud to offer the TrailerBlade Flap. Here’s how this
unique product contributes to fuel savings and sustainability:
A New Kind of Mudflap
As you are likely aware, many states in the United States have
laws mandating the use of mudflaps to protect vehicles, passengers and
pedestrians from mud and other flying debris. While many will agree that these
are sensible protections, for fleet managers, mudflap requirements have an
undesirable side-effect. Because mudflaps block wind and thereby create
aerodynamic drag, they bring about a reduction in fuel economy.
Adhering to regulations that create additional expenses is a
source of irritation for many a fleet manager. However, TrailerBlade’s
innovative mudflap, the TrailerBlade Flap, provides the best solution to
increased fuel consumption as a result of these mandates.
How It Works
Traditional mudflaps are rectangular sheets that hang from the
rear of a trailer, generally made of rubber. Their solid design catches the
wind, creating additional drag (increasing fuel consumption) and increasing the
risk of costly citations from flap sailing. In wet conditions, they can also
pose a safety hazard by catching and spraying water.
The TrailerBlade Flap, on the other hand, employs an innovative
vented design to allow wind and water alike to easily pass through. This has
the effect of almost entirely eliminating the aerodynamic drag and spray associated
with traditional mudflaps, while fully retaining their functionality in
blocking mud and other debris.
With this design, the TrailerBlade Flap reduces fuel consumption
and costs by 1%. And while this might not seem very significant, any fleet
manager knows how quickly fuel costs can add up for a fleet with dozens of
trailers on the road at a time. And when combined with one of TrailerBlade’s
side skirt options, this brings total fuel economy improvements up to a
substantial 8.15%.
Savvy fleet managers know the importance of optimizing each
element of a trailer in achieving the best fuel economy, and the impact it has
on their bottom line. To learn more about how TrailerBlade’s Flap and side
skirt products can help your fleet, contact your local TrailerBlade dealer
today.
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