Enhancing fuel savings is easier with aerodynamic kits for trucks and trailers. Discover how these innovative kits streamline airflow, reduce drag, and improve efficiency, ultimately cutting fuel costs on every haul.
Drive Smarter: Save Fuel with Aerodynamic Upgrades for Trucks and Trailers
For fleet owners and operators, fuel costs are one of the largest expenses. One proven way to reduce these costs while also cutting down on emissions is by installing aerodynamic kits on semi-trucks and trailers. These kits are designed to reduce drag, making trucks more efficient on the road.
At Marshall Truck & Trailer Repair, we understand the value of maximizing your fleet’s performance. In this blog, we’ll break down the different types of aerodynamic kits available and why they’re worth considering for your trucks and trailers.
Why Aerodynamics Matter
When a truck moves down the highway, it encounters air resistance or drag. The larger the surface area of the vehicle, the greater the drag, which forces the engine to work harder and consume more fuel. For long-haul trucks, where every mile matters, reducing drag can significantly lower fuel consumption.
Studies show that drag accounts for up to 50% of the energy used to power a semi-truck at highway speeds. By improving aerodynamics, trucks can use less fuel, leading to both cost savings and environmental benefits.
Popular Aerodynamic Kits for Trailers and Semi-Trucks
There are several types of aerodynamic add-ons available, each designed to improve different areas of the truck’s airflow. Let’s look at the most common kits that can help boost your fleet’s efficiency.
1. Trailer Side Skirts
Trailer side skirts, also known as side fairings, are long panels installed along the sides of a trailer, between the front and rear wheels. These panels help smooth the airflow underneath the trailer, reducing the amount of air resistance created by the truck’s underbody.
Benefits:
- Can reduce fuel consumption by 4-7%
- Easy to install and maintain
- Works effectively at highway speeds
2. Trailer Tails
Trailer tails, also known as boat tails, are panels that extend from the rear of a trailer, creating a more aerodynamic shape that reduces drag behind the vehicle. These devices help streamline the airflow at the back of the trailer, where turbulence can significantly increase drag.
Benefits:
-
Reduces drag at the trailer’s rear by up to 10%
-
Fuel savings can range from 3-5%
-
Foldable designs are available for easy storage when loading or unloading
3. Wheel Covers
The wheels of a truck or trailer create turbulence, which adds to overall drag. Aerodynamic wheel covers help smooth the airflow around the wheels, reducing this turbulence.
Benefits:
-
Simple, cost-effective solution
-
Can lead to fuel savings of up to 1-2%
-
Helps prevent dirt and debris buildup in the wheels
4. Roof Fairings
Roof fairings are aerodynamic panels installed on top of the tractor, reducing the air resistance caused by the gap between the tractor and the trailer. They are especially useful for trucks pulling high-roof trailers, as they help direct air over the top of the trailer more smoothly.
Benefits:
-
Reduces drag on the front of the trailer
-
Can improve fuel economy by 3-5%
-
Enhances the truck’s overall aerodynamic profile
5. Gap Fairings
Gap fairings, also called nose cones or trailer nose fairings, are placed on the front of the trailer to reduce the gap between the tractor and the trailer. This gap creates a significant amount of drag, especially at highway speeds.
Benefits:
-
Can reduce drag in the tractor-trailer gap by 2-4%
-
Improves fuel efficiency without requiring major vehicle modifications
How Much Can You Save?
On average, aerodynamic kits can help long-haul trucks reduce fuel consumption by 5-15%, depending on the combination of devices used and the driving conditions. For a fleet that covers thousands of miles every week, these savings can add up quickly, directly impacting your bottom line.
Let’s say you have a truck that drives 120,000 miles annually. With an aerodynamic kit that reduces fuel consumption by 10%, you could save up to 1,200 gallons of fuel each year. At $4 per gallon, that’s nearly $5,000 in savings for a single truck.
Canadian Climate Considerations
While aerodynamic kits offer clear advantages, it’s important to consider the specific conditions of your operating environment. In cold Canadian climates, the air density is higher, which increases aerodynamic drag by up to 20%. This makes aerodynamic kits even more valuable for fleets operating in Canada, as the potential for fuel savings grows in colder weather.
Are Aerodynamic Kits Right for Your Fleet?
Aerodynamic kits offer long-term savings and improved performance for trucks, but it’s important to evaluate your fleet’s specific needs. While side skirts, boat tails, and gap fairings work well on long-haul highway routes, they may not provide as much benefit for local or regional fleets that frequently stop or drive at lower speeds.
At Marshall Truck & Trailer Repair, we’re here to help you make the best choices for your fleet. Our team of experts can recommend and install the right aerodynamic kits to help you save fuel, reduce maintenance costs, and extend the life of your trucks.