STEMCO Products recently introduced the TrailerTail Automatic fuel-saving system, which automatically deploys the company’s signature aerodynamic product when the trailer reaches 35 mph, ensuring fuel savings every trip and removing the need for the driver to exit the cab to open it manually.
The company anticipates automatic TrailerTail availability in the third quarter of 2018.
The automatic system also closes the TrailerTail when the truck stops or goes in reverse, preventing damage to the TrailerTail, trailer or dock doors. Closing the TrailerTail only when the vehicle comes to a full stop reduces the number of cycles the unit goes through, minimizing component wear and tear.
Also, if the trailer loses power, the TrailerTail automatically will close, allowing access to the cargo.
“Every trip is an opportunity for the TrailerTail Automatic to deliver fuel savings,” said Prashanth Kamath, segment business leader for STEMCO’s Innovative Tire and Mileage Solutions (ITMS) group.
“We know that truck drivers have many responsibilities, and TrailerTail Automatic eliminates the need for drivers to open or close the TrailerTail.”
STEMCO, which acquired TrailerTail in 2015, reports 55,000 units currently in use in the United States and Canada. TrailerTail Trident provides a proven and SmartWay-certified 5-percent fuel savings, and also was EPA-certified as a Bin 3 device.
The STEMCO TrailerTail improves fuel economy by streamlining airflow at the back of the trailer to reduce rear drag and increase fuel efficiency. It also improves safety by helping stabilize trailers and increase visibility.
The TrailerTail Automatic receives speed and direction signals from STEMCO’s wheel-mounted TracBat Aero speed sensor. The TracBat Aero is based on the existing STEMCO DataTrac & TracBat electronic hubodometers, which are used extensively by fleets.
“(TrailerTail) also ensures that fleets realize an average of 5-percent fuel savings, and maintenance managers don’t have to deal with damage to TrailerTail or dock doors due to drivers forgetting to close the TrailerTail,” Kamath said.
“The new TrailerTail Automatic showcases our commitment to making the driver’s job easier, improving fuel economy, reducing damage and – above all else – making the roadways safer.”
The new TrailerTail Automatic will be compatible with new trailers and also as a retrofit for existing TrailerTail Trident models.
For more information on STEMCO and TrailerTail, visit www.stemco.com/trailertail.