Aerodynamic Devices and Optimized Trailer Design
In today's business climate, it makes economic sense to invest in maximizing aerodynamic efficiency. Utility offers many technologies, including their own patented and proprietary aerodynamic devices that optimize fuel economy.
Trailer technologies that aid in improving aerodynamic efficiency, improving fuel economy and lowering greenhouse gas emissions include aerodynamic devices such as side skirts and trailer tails, low rolling resistance tires, tire pressure systems (Tire Pressure Monitoring System/Automatic Tire Inflation System), and/or weight reduction.
Utility refrigerated, dry van and flatbed trailers are light weight by design, therefore they already help fleets and owner/operators to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and reduce fuel use. There are several Tire Pressure Systems, braking systems, and low-rolling resistance tires that Utility offers and recommend to aid in additional savings. And, Utility has gone one step further.
As part of our ongoing efforts to add value for our customers, we have engineered and manufactured our own aerodynamic devices, which are available for the 3000R® reefer and 4000D-X Composite® dry van. Our Utility Side Skirt is now a standard feature on all new tandem axle van trailers, and our Utility Aerodynamic Tail is another powerful option. Both aerodynamic devices optimize fuel-efficiency while improving trailer stability and reducing air turbulence.
Built of UV-protected/bi-directional Fiberglass Reinforced Plastic, the Utility Side Skirt directs air along the side of the trailer, reducing aerodynamic drag underneath the trailer. It’s unique structural design at the bottom of the skirt improves rigidity without a loss of flexibility, while also helping the skirt to maintain its structural integrity at higher speeds.
The optional Utility Aerodynamic Tail (UAT) streamlines airflow, diminishing air turbulence, and redirecting heat away from the rear of the trailer. This is of particular value on a reefer because it also reduces heat convection and optimizes thermal efficiency. The UV-protected, Utility Aerodynamic Tail also diminishes the low-pressure zone behind the trailer, improving aerodynamic performance.
Knowing that it’s a matter of “when” and not “if” fuel costs will rise, it only makes sense to reduce fuel use, and lower costs by integrating these technologies into every new trailer purchase today. Utility has the technologies available to keep you one step ahead. Find out more from your local Utility dealer. To find them, go to: www.utilitytrailer.com
Utility Trailer Manufacturing Company is America's oldest privately owned, family-operated trailer manufacturer. They design and manufacture dry vans, flatbeds, refrigerated vans, Tautliner® curtainsided trailers, and aerodynamic technologies. Utility operates six manufacturing facilities across North America. Utility’s 3000R® and the 3000R® multi-temp refrigerated trailers are manufactured in Marion, Virginia; Clearfield, Utah; and Piedras Negras, Mexico. The 4000D-X Composite® and 4000D® dry vans are manufactured in Glade Spring, Virginia; and Paragould, Arkansas. The 4000AE®, 4000S®, 4000AE® Drop Deck flatbeds, and Tautliner® are manufactured in Enterprise, Alabama. Utility’s independent dealer network has over 100 locations throughout North and South America. www.utilitytrailer.com.
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