march2021 - 41

The interaction between the two components did
change the airflow, but because of the complexity
of the truck and trailer designs themselves, the
addition of the second aerodynamic device actually created more drag, Mason explains.
In the end, fleets looking to streamline their
vehicles will need to go through some trial and
error in order to find a good fit.
" The aerodynamics of trucks are just so
complex, and the best data out there ... belongs
to the fleets, " says Mike Yagley, global program
launch manager for Alcoa Wheel Products. " They
know exactly what they get for the aerodynamics,
when they add a hub cover ... and they are going to
know how that works with their boat tail, and they
are going to know how that works at the fairing.
And when they take [it] off, and they do all sorts
of studies, they get all that data. They are really
the experts. "

Installation and upkeep
of aerodynamic devices
Proper installation and maintenance of aerodynamic devices are essential to achieving improved
fuel efficiency.
Before installing any aerodynamic devices, fleets
should be sure the device will give them the benefits
desired, CVCS' Kealy says. This means there should
be documented and certified proof of fuel savings
for that application. Next, fleets should follow the
manufacturer's installation guidelines, as designs
can vary depending on trailer type and application.
Once the aerodynamic devices have been
installed, upkeep is crucial.
" Don't ignore the aerodynamic devices during
the scheduled periodic maintenance of the truck
or trailer, " Kealy says. " Follow recommended
service and inspection intervals. Perform visual inspection for any damage or signs of impact
to the product, check bolt torques, and check the
fit and clearance from the device to the truck or
trailer. Check for cracks, dents, and deformations
that would reduce overall air flow; the clearance
and flow around the devices are what improves
the aerodynamics and improves fuel economy. "
While using aerodynamic devices, fleets
must also be aware that of the issues that come
along with maintaining them. According to
TMC's RP 1110 - Inspection and Maintenance
Recommendations for Aerodynamic Devices -
there are three reasons aerodynamic devices can
increase maintenance requirements.
Ü	Some aerodynamic devices themselves are easily damaged and require replacement.
Ü	The devices can damage parts of the vehicle to
which they are mounted, such as the cab roof
or the back of the cab.
Ü	Devices may obstruct access to items on the
vehicle requiring maintenance, increasing time
required to perform maintenance.
TMC also notes that ground clearance is becoming an issue, as some aerodynamic devices are
causing tractors decreased maneuverability into
locations that were accessible before the devices
were added.
With this information in mind, fleets must
do their research prior to adding aerodynamic

		»To improve fuel efficiency, fleets must properly install and maintain their aerodynamic devices.
Photo courtesy of Volvo

Counteracting unintended consequences
of aerodynamic devices
Though aerodynamic
devices can be beneficial
to increase a fleet's
fuel efficiency, they
also have the potential
to cause problems.

Aerodynamic devices are tools
fleets can use to reduce drag
on their vehicles and increase
fuel efficiency. But before
fleets decide to add these
devices, it is important they
know some of the unintended
additional maintenance that
can be caused by aerodynamic
devices. The Technology &
Maintenance Council's (TMC)
Recommended Practice
(RP) 1110 - Inspection and
Maintenance Recommendations
for Aerodynamic Devices - covers four areas on a truck that
could be impacted by the addition of an aerodynamic device.

DRIVETRAINS

The problem
Vehicles using aerodynamic
products that obstruct air flow
underneath the vehicle could
direct air away from certain
components that rely on it for
cooling. This could increase the
temperature of components
such as the transmission,
for example, reducing the
lifespan of the gear, synchronizer, bearing, and seal.
TMC's Recommendation
Many transmission suppliers

recommend gear oils not be
used in transmissions, so fleets
should try using SAE 50 weight
engine oils in the transmission instead - nothing more
viscous. Additionally, fleets
should consider spec'ing oil
coolers on tractors equipped
with engines over 350 horsepower, as well as make sure
the coolers are installed
where they can work properly.
Lastly, choose the appropriate
viscosity grade gear oil or synthetic lube oil in drive axles.

BRAKES

The problem
With less wind resistance
helping to slow it down, the
brakes on a vehicle with aerodynamic devices absorb more
energy, meaning there are
more brake applications for the
same amount of retardation
and a higher brake operating
temperature. Additionally,
if the aerodynamic device
reduces air flow over the
brakes, this can shorten the
life of brake components.
TMC's Recommendation
Increased inspection of
the brakes, as well as
the potential adoption of
retarders on very " aerodynamically clean " tractors.

CAB STRUCTURE

The problem
When installing aerodynamic
devices, any places where the
attachment hardware goes
through the cab skin are potential areas for corrosion develop-

devices to their vehicles. If a fleet does decide to
add them, proper installation and maintenance
are key.

ment. In time, these areas could
also present fatigue cracks.
TMC's Recommendation
Frequent visual inspections
will help prevent major repair
work from being required.
Look for hairline cracks and
corrosion at mounting bolt
locations and repair any that
are found according to the
manufacturer's instructions
for that cab material.

REFRIGERATION UNITS
The problem
Certain aerodynamic devices
- full cab, roof-mounted air
fairings and cab extenders
particularly - can cause loss
of refrigeration unit cooling
because of heat drawn from the
tractor. Occasionally, this will
lead to a total unit shutdown.
TMC's Recommendation
Managing the airflow in and
around the refrigeration unit
can improve its efficiency. For
fleets in hot or humid areas,
drivers should pay close attention to the vehicle's temperature. Additionally, fleets may
need to install thermometers
outside the trailer so they can
be read during walk-around
inspections or deliveries. TMC
also recommends simple
recording thermometers be
installed on the front face of
the trailer to track the temperature between the tractor
and trailer. It should be noted
that if that temperature reaches 100 degrees F, reduced
cooling efficiency will result.

Read more at FleetMaintenance.com/21212411

March 2021 | FleetMaintenance.com

41


http://www.FleetMaintenance.com/21212411 http://www.FleetMaintenance.com

march2021

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of march2021

Uptime: Can you outsource your in-house maintenance department?
Editor's Note: Contributing to the Right to Repair
Equipment: The impacts of suspension maintenance
In the Bay: Advances in reefer management are heating up
Shop Operations: The next generation of CMMS
Under Vehicle: Technology lends fleets a hand with fifth wheels
Tech Trends: A streamlined fleet
Management: Keeping honest KPIs
Training: Overcoming the technician language barrier
Fleet Parts & Components
Tools & Equipment
Guest Editorial: Improving tire management using scrap tire analysis
march2021 - 1
march2021 - 2
march2021 - 3
march2021 - 4
march2021 - 5
march2021 - 6
march2021 - 7
march2021 - Uptime: Can you outsource your in-house maintenance department?
march2021 - 9
march2021 - Editor's Note: Contributing to the Right to Repair
march2021 - 11
march2021 - Equipment: The impacts of suspension maintenance
march2021 - 13
march2021 - 14
march2021 - 15
march2021 - 16
march2021 - 17
march2021 - In the Bay: Advances in reefer management are heating up
march2021 - 19
march2021 - 20
march2021 - 21
march2021 - 22
march2021 - 23
march2021 - Shop Operations: The next generation of CMMS
march2021 - 25
march2021 - 26
march2021 - 27
march2021 - 28
march2021 - 29
march2021 - 30
march2021 - 31
march2021 - 32
march2021 - 33
march2021 - 34
march2021 - 35
march2021 - Under Vehicle: Technology lends fleets a hand with fifth wheels
march2021 - 37
march2021 - 38
march2021 - 39
march2021 - Tech Trends: A streamlined fleet
march2021 - 41
march2021 - Management: Keeping honest KPIs
march2021 - Training: Overcoming the technician language barrier
march2021 - Fleet Parts & Components
march2021 - 45
march2021 - Tools & Equipment
march2021 - 47
march2021 - 48
march2021 - 49
march2021 - Guest Editorial: Improving tire management using scrap tire analysis
march2021 - 51
march2021 - 52
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