If you think you’ve done everything possible to improve fuel efficiency, there may still be one more opportunity left — fuel-efficient mud flaps. Andersen Flaps, Inc. has been providing its patented Eco-flaps to fleets since 2000 to reduce splash and spray, but it turns out the see-through mud flaps may help fleets see an improvement in fuel economy, too.
The spike in fuel prices has been bringing new customers to Andersen’s door, including Arctic Express, which recently placed an order for $20,000 for the flaps with airflow, according to an article in the June 20, 2008 issue of Business First of Columbus. “With fuel at $4.70 a gallon, these were worth another look,” said Richard Durst, CEO of Arctic.
Transportation Research Center, Inc. (TRC) performed SAE Test J1321 Type II on the Andersen flaps in July of 2006, and the results are posted on the Eco-flaps website. The baseline fuel economy for the two test trucks was 6.37 mpg and 6.54 mpg. With the flaps installed, the mpg increased to 6.71 mpg and 6.77 mpg respectively, according to the report.
