ORLANDO, Florida—Michelin and Utility Trailer Manufacturing Co. are partnering to deliver Michelin’s Energy Guard Mud Flaps as standard fitment for all of Utility’s refrigerated trailers starting in the second half of 2023, the tire manufacturer reported here at American Trucking Associations’ Technology & Maintenance Council’s 2023 Annual Meeting.
The accessory, also available to dry van customers, is designed to reduce fuel and maintenance costs to all fleet customers.
Designed with fuel savings and safety in mind, the new louvered design aims to reduce vehicle drag; optimizes louver spacing for high air pass-through; and features a low-flex, anti-sail design to help keep mud flaps straight and flat while in motion. They are also designed to deflect road spray and debris downward, as well as enable improved side-view visibility for drivers.
"Michelin's Energy Guard Mud Flap coupled with Utility's Side Skirt and optional Trailer Tail is designed to help meet Utility's goal of making our refrigerated trailer the most aerodynamic and efficient refrigerated trailer on the market," said Steve Bennett, president and COO of Utility. "For additional fuel savings, Utility now offers a 36-lb. aluminum wheel that has an optional aerodynamic wheel cover as a retrofit option that can be provided by your local Utility dealer."
Built with an impact-, temperature-, and chemical-resistant copolymer, the Michelin Energy Guard Mud Flaps are 24 in. wide by 28 in. long and weigh 7 lb. per pair. Flaps also feature patented hole patterns and extensions for correct placement without drilling new holes in standard mud flap hangers. Installation time is typically five to 10 minutes, according to Michelin.
For complete coverage of ATA's MC&E, see the April print edition of TBB.