The TRANSTEX EDGE ELITE AERO SYSTEM can save fuel for refrigerated carriers, according to Mesilla Valley Transportation Solutions (MVTS).
The fuel economy testing subsidiary of Mesilla Valley Transportation says recent testing of the aerodynamic system on a refrigerated trailer with corrugated sides showed the technology provided fuel savings of 8.88 gallons per 1,000 miles, or 7.88%.
The system test included E-2330T EDGE SKIRTS, the EDGE TOPKIT+, and EDGE FLAPS.
“Refrigerated trailers have a different aerodynamic behavior considering their corrugated sidewalls, fuel tank, and refrigeration unit, which is why fleets with refrigerated trailers will see different fuel efficiency results compared to dry van trailers with flat sidewalls,” said Pierre-Yves Lacroix, engineering director at TRANSTEX.
“Given the difference in aerodynamic profile, our engineering team continuously works to refine TRANSTEX’s product offering for various trailer applications. MVTS certified testing results validate our performance assertions, distinguishing EDGE products from other players in the industry.”
MVTS calculated that the use of the EDGE ELITE system would result in 1,110 gallons of fuel savings annually, or $2,832 saved per vehicle at 125,000 driven miles. When translated across a 1,000-truck fleet and a five-year average trailer life, the profits would be $2.232 million annually.
Testing was done using two 2019 International LT 625 trucks with Cummins X15 15-liter engines, Eaton Endurant 12-speed Automated Manual Transmissions, and 2021 Utility 53-foot refrigerated trailers with corrugated sidewalls. Testing was conducted at 65 miles per hour and a gross vehicle weight of 45,000 pounds.
“MVTS testing has measured substantial savings with the TRANSTEX EDGE ELITE AERO SYSTEM,” said Daryl Bear, lead engineer and chief operating officer of MVTS. “With the system savings of 8.88 gallons per 1,000 miles for refrigerated trailers and 12.09 gallons per 1,000 miles for dry vans, it is evident the TRANSTEX team has worked hard to develop a solution that saves fleets a lot of fuel.”
A full version of the EDGE ELITE report is available here.
Find out more about the system at transtex-llc.com/edge-elite-aero-system.
