Proper full-size teardrop trailers

[angib]

OK, it's not that sort of teardrop trailer....





Don-Bur, the manufacturer of this (truck) trailer contacted me as no doubt he thought he'd invented the phrase 'teardrop trailer'. Yes, I did put him right.

But those who've discussed trailer aerodynamics might enjoy looking at these - it's quite a clever piece of design.

Andrew

[del]

Andrew it is amazing how adding something on top will make it easier to pull. I like this pic more better though.


del

[caseydog]

In twenty years or so, an American Truck company will introduce this concept "to the world."

That trailer makes perfect sense. Of course, in that case, we may never get them here.

[Bobgorilla]

California will make them illegal because they are too tall or too long and nobody will use them

[cguardsman]

yep that is a clever piece




















of design alright the trailer is pretty cool too

[Podunkfla]

I have seen other prototypes of aerodynamic trucks & trailers before... They never seem to make it to the roadways though? I do see potential problems loading that one with a forklift with that small rear door? Another good idea that prolly won't fly very far. In the US the tractors have gotten pretty aero and have wings that close the gap to the trailer a lot. I doubt that little bit of change in the trailer alone would make much difference? Surely not 10% fuel savings he mentions?

[asianflava]

The trailer looks really tight to the cab. I don't know for shure, MJ would definitely know but doesn't "snugging up" make for a bad ride? That's what I was told anyway.

[DON-BUR]

A note from the manufacturers (not the inventors of the name)!

Firstly, regarding the height - yes in many states the 4500mm overall height at its' highest point will cause problems (bridge heights/legislation etc. but it's not anywhere near the highest trailers we have here in the UK (5000mm).

Fortunately, access was a critical part in the trailer design and we have still managed to acheive a generous 2138mm aperture at the rear; plenty for roll cages and pallets.

In response to Podunkfla, it is true that tractor unit "wings" do assist more than the closing of the gap but they are very prone to damage within the turning circle and therefore lessen the aerodynamic benefit over time. This trailer was engineered to be simple and durable without the need for additional GRP gimmicks.

The fuel saving was verified under controlled tests carried out by DHL and was actually 10.14%. This figure was acheived primarily from the curved roof; not the lean on the front bulkhead or the skirts.

Regarding "ride", the position of the fifth wheel has not altered and still follows a standard ISO profile at 1250mm height. As a result, with less air being forced in behind the cab, the ride is actually better than its' standard counterpart.

If anyone is interested, please feel free to contact me.

Richard

[madjack]

The trailer looks really tight to the cab. I don't know for shure, MJ would definitely know but doesn't "snugging up" make for a bad ride? That's what I was told anyway.

...just like our litle trailers, balance is the important point....I have had tractors with the 5th wheel slid all the way back. putting to much weight on the drive axles and not enough on the steering, which gave a very bad and unsafe ride...usually,(if possible) the kingpin should be centered between the 2 drive axles...nowadays, with air on air on air suspension, it doesn't make as much difference as it used to...I don't see that trailer being adapted to the US trucking industry anytime soon, since hi-cube vans are standard in both costs and usage.....
madjack

[angib]

One thing that isn't made clear in the web site, but was implied in a email I got from Richard/Don-Bur (Richard, please correct if this is wrong) is that the rear door is the standard height - the curved roof of the trailer is above the normal trailer height.

For any student of aerodynamics, this is a major feat as it means the drag coefficient (Cd) has been reduced by even more than the increase in cross section area (A), as the Cd.A will have been reduced by roughly the amount of the fuel saving.

Of course the next step is to get the truck manufacturers to build a narrow tractor unit and repeat the same improvement in the horizontal plane. That however would cut down both the rear door opening and the cube of the trailer, so it won't be happening this year or next. But maybe in 10 years time?

Andrew

[sledge]

I worked in a Deisel Shop for many years , like asianflava said it sure looks CLOSE to the cab. do they slide it up close when on the open road and slide it back when making turns ???? I can't see most truck drivers goin' to all that much trouble. We could never get the company drivers to even bleed the air tanks in winter to keep them from freezing up. But ...... it looks good on Paper. and if there is one thing that might make it happen in the US, it's 10% savings on fuel.

[tonyj]

I'll hold my comments until I see a Woody version.

[Podunkfla]

I appreciate the response from DON-BUR... I was sure fooled by the pix if the rear door is standard height? It is an impressive design and I hope he has much success with it. Over 10% fuel savings can add up to big bucks, particularly in Europe where fuel is even higher than the US.

[Claw]

10% fuel savings would represent $125/wk for a 500mile/day driver. A significant amount. Combining that with proper speed and driving skills creates profitable lanes. There are a lot of variables with driving and trucking in particular. Designing mating tractors / trailers makes sense.

[asianflava]

10% fuel savings would represent $125/wk for a 500mile/day driver. A significant amount. Combining that with proper speed and driving skills creates profitable lanes.

And multiply that, by the number of drivers. Big companies like JB Hunt, Werner, Schneider would see huge savings in fuel costs.