FlowBelow Aero Inc. announced at the Technology & Maintenance Council (TMC) Annual Meeting and Transportation Technology Exhibition that FlowBelow’s ‘Quick-Release’ Wheel Covers and Tractor AeroKit system will be offered as optional equipment on all International LT and RH Series trucks, effective immediately. The products can be ordered for any new LT and RH Series trucks through the International dealer network with installation completed at the International Truck Plant and Truck Specialty Center.
The Tractor AeroKit reduces aerodynamic turbulence and drag on the truck by streamlining airflow past the drive wheels. When optioned, each 6x2 or 6x4 truck is outfitted with wheel covers, center fairings located between the wheels and rear fairings behind the wheels. Wheel covers can also be outfitted on 4x2 trucks. The fairing system works like fuel tank fairings by helping to control the air flow along the side of the truck. The ‘Quick-Release’ wheel covers also provide instantaneous and tool-free access to the wheel end via FlowBelow’s patented ‘push and turn’ quick-release latching system. The system is made in the USA using extremely durable materials, the company says.
As part of the agreements signed, FlowBelow products will be warranted by International Truck as well as made available for aftermarket purchase through all International Truck dealers in the U.S. and Canada.
“The new International LT and RH Series have proven to be some of the most technologically advanced, fuel efficient trucks available,” said Josh Butler, Founder and CEO of FlowBelow Aero. “With the addition of the FlowBelow Tractor AeroKit system to on-highway LT and RH Series trucks, we are providing fleets with even higher fuel efficiency while reducing total cost of ownership.”
The company also announced that the ‘Quick-Release’ Wheel Covers and Trailer AeroSlider system will be offered as factory-installed options on Strick Trailers. The products can be ordered for any new van trailer through the Strick dealer network with installation completed at Strick’s manufacturing facility in Monroe, Indiana.
The Trailer AeroSlider is mounted directly to the sliding trailer suspension and travels with the suspension. The AeroSlider utilizes the ‘quick-release’ wheel covers in combination with a fairing between the trailer wheels and aerodynamic mudflaps behind them. Each of the components work together as a system to address the complex airflow around the trailer wheels and the wake behind the trailer.
The system is designed to complement other trailer mounted aerodynamic devices such as trailer skirts and tails and offers additive fuel savings depending on the combination of devices implemented, the company says.
According to Justin Bell, Director of Engineering & Warranty at Strick, “The Trailer AeroSlider provides a practical way to address the aerodynamics of the trailer tandem without sacrificing durability or accessibility. By offering this system to our customers we are able to provide new and innovative options that further improve the fuel efficiency of Strick Trailers.”
