Test Finds That Utility Trailer Dry Van & Refrigerated Trailers With Aerodynamics Features Save Hundreds Of Gallons Of Fuel

    Posted On: December 11, 2020

    While the Aerodynamic Side Skirt comes standard on both the 3000R and 4000D-X Composite (featured here), the UAT is an optional feature. (Photo courtesy of Utility Trailer.)

    Utility Trailer recently revealed the results of a study aimed at showing the effectiveness of the trailer manufacturer’s aerodynamics offerings. It was conducted by MVT Solutions, a fuel economy and general truck testing specialist based in Las Cruces, New Mexico, and focused on the Aerodynamic Side Skirt (USS-120A-4), which is a standard Utility Trailer feature, as well as the optional Utility Aerodynamic Tail (UAT). Utility says the test is commonly used when designing race cars and provides results accurate up to 0.25%. In this instance, MVT Solutions found that using both features together resulted in savings of 646 gallons (2,445 liters) of fuel per 100,000 miles (160,934 kilometers).

    Aerodynamic Side Skirt & Tail

    The Aerodynamic Side Skirt comes standard on Utility Trailer’s 3000R refrigerated trailer and its 4000D-X Composite dry van trailer and is made with bi-directional, fiberglass-reinforced plastic. The thermoplastic composite UAT weighs only 25 pounds (11.3 kilograms) and consists of one roof fairing and two side fairings. Both components feature UV protection to ensure longevity, and for added peace of mind, the UAT is covered by a five-year factory warranty.


    MVT Solutions recently conducted a test on behalf of Utility Trailer and found that combining its Aerodynamic Side Skirt with the optional Utility Aerodynamic Tail can reduce fuel consumption by 646 gallons per 100,000 miles for 3000R refrigerated (pictured here) and 4000D-X Composite dry van trailers. (Photo courtesy of Utility Trailer.)

    “Fastest Way To Increase Your Bottom Line”

    “Over the years, we have conducted several rigorous tests at our state-of-the-art R&D facility, but a third-party fuel economy test for our aerodynamic devices provides us with calculations that validate our own,” says Craig Bennett, senior vice president, sales and marketing, for Utility Trailer. “Fuel economy is the easiest and fastest way to increase your bottom line. We believe that the USS and the UAT, when used together, will generate the best ROI in the aerodynamic segment of the industry. Additionally, based on the positive test results from MVT Solutions, we developed a fuel savings calculator on Utility’s website to give fleets an idea of how much they could potentially save by using our aerodynamic products.”

    Source: Utility Trailer



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