Trailer tail

A trailer tail, boat tail, or rear fairing is an aerodynamic device intended to improve the fuel economy of semi-trailer trucks. It comprises a set of panels, usually collapsible, which fold out from the rear of the trailer, creating a tapered shape that reduces drag from the low-pressure wake created behind the trailer. Trailer tails are one form of aerodynamic technology verified by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's SmartWay Transport Partnership.[1] Trailer tails alone have demonstrated a fuel savings of 1%–5%, and in concert with trailer skirts, 9% improvement has been demonstrated.[2]

Trailer tail at the rear of a semi-trailer in 2013

TrailerTail is a registered trademark of STEMCO.[3][4]

SuperTruck project

At least one model of trailer tail, trade named TrailerTail, is part of Navistar's SuperTruck project,[5] which will use $37 million of US Department of Energy grants to build next generation trucks and tractor trailers.

References
  1. "Learn About SmartWay Verified Aerodynamic Devices". U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Retrieved 29 June 2016.
  2. "SmartWay Verified List of Aerodynamic Devices". U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Retrieved 29 June 2016.
  3. "TrailerTail® Fuel Savings Technology". stemco.com. Retrieved 2018-10-15.
  4. U.S. Trademark 77,152,970
  5. Navistar SuperTruck Archived July 17, 2011, at the Wayback Machine
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