What is this on the back of a semi tractor trailer?

[Don Howard]

TSIA. See pic below. Seems to me it's something to do with the aerodynamics. There was a similar piece of material along the left side under the trailer and presumably on the right side as well. Thanks.

 

[gsneff]

I've seen them, too. they gove them a little better fuel efficiency I believe.

 

[Specularius]

Those along with the sheet metal under the trailer from the landing gear to in front of the trailer axles is for fuel mileage. Some companies are reporting as much as a 10% increase in fuel mileage with both devices.

 

[James Cannon]

Those along with the sheet metal under the trailer from the landing gear to in front of the trailer axles is for fuel mileage. Some companies are reporting as much as a 10% increase in fuel mileage with both devices.

I was about to comment about it being sad when someone is willing to spend like $1,500 to save $100 per year on gas, but... wow.

That's one helluva good ROI, if they get 10%. I was just noticing on my trip to/from Missouri last week that I was seeing a lot more sheet metal contraptions on trucks than normal.

 

[LongGoneDays]

Awesome, never seen that.

 

[highstandard40]

Looks like a boat tail design. It works for bullets.

 

[Jed]

Anyone who's ridden in the back of a troop carrier knows how much carbon monoxide (= downdraft) you breathe in.

 

[herohog]

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080417105446.htm

http://gtresearchnews.gatech.edu/newsrelease/truckfuel.htm

http://blog.fleetowner.com/trucks_at_work/2009/03/20/aerodynamics-and-trailers/

 

[jimdana1942]

These are special trucks hauling classified alien craft pieces.

 

[oldsman350]

Being a trucker I get to see alot of these. Some trucks have the wind skirts on the sides and the "deflector" on the back. I've even seen some trucks with a hubcap like cover to make the wheels as smooth as possible. Some companies are even going about making the undercarriage of the trailer as smooth as possilbe. I read an article once where NASA was helping to research in wind tunnels the best way to make a truck and trailer more aerodynamic. Its crazy to think how much fuel is being consumed by big trucks. My tractor is a 2010 International with a ten speed manumatic and I tow a 32 ft trailer with on average about 12,000 lbs and I only get about 7.5-8.0 on average. Every little bit helps and you can belive Wal-Mart is behind alot of this research.

 

[brfd557]

Conceals more illegals!