Semi Truck Aerodynamics & Fuel Economy

Whether you drive a used truck or own a fleet, chances are you’re looking for ways to maximize fuel economy. Besides choosing an efficient engine, one of the easiest ways to improve fuel-efficiency is to reduce drag by making the vehicle more aerodynamic. When you do a fuel economy side by side comparison with a truck that is less aerodynamic, the differences are too great to ignore. International Used Truck Centers has some suggestions for aerodynamic enhancements that’ll save you thousands per year on fuel fill-ups.

What is Aerodynamic Drag?

Aerodynamic drag is the force that opposes an object’s motion. When a vehicle — no matter the size — is designed to allow air to move fluidly over its body, aerodynamic drag will have less of an impact on its performance and fuel economy. Heavy trucks burn a significant amount of fuel as they power through air resistance. In fact, more than 50% of an 18-wheeler’s fuel is spent reducing aerodynamic drag on the highways.

How to Decrease Aero Drag & Increase Fuel Economy

You can always improve the aerodynamics of your semi truck, be it an International ProStar or Freightliner Cascadia. Here are a few parts and design features you should consider implementing on your used semi:

• Drive Fenders: The front fender is at the forefront of your truck’s battle against wind resistance. Installing a more aerodynamic fender will reduce drag while boosting your vehicle’s top speed and fuel-efficiency.
• Chassis Skirts: Chassis skirts reduce air turbulence near the front fender extensions, battery box, fuel tank, quarter fenders, and frame access steps. You can purchase chassis skirts in different sizes, i.e. cab-length skirts that span the length of the day cab/sleeper cab or full-length skirts that run to the rear wheel.
• Side Extenders: You can use side extenders to reduce airflow between the tractor and trailer where there’s often a larger gap. Even if the trailer isn’t at full height, side extenders help keep trailer gaps at a minimum and promote adequate swing clearance.
• Fairings: Panels (or fairings) can be added to exterior areas of your truck like the undercarriage, body, or roof to increase fuel-efficiency by as much as 15% percent. Some types of fairings are easy to detach, so you don’t have to work around them while loading or unloading your cargo.
• Wheel Covers: Most semi truck wheels aren’t the picture of aerodynamic design, what with their large middle indentations, bumps, and ridges. Air gets into their crevices and slows your truck down. With wheel covers, you can close any gaps, saving you a bundle at fuel stations.
• Fifth Wheel Placement: Fifth wheel placement is a crucial part of semi truck aerodynamics. Typically, the trailer gap should be no wider than 36 inches and the fifth wheel — be it sliding or fixed — should be installed so the trailer can swing back and forth without touching the cab, trailer landing legs, or side extenders.
• Boat Tails: Installing a boat tail that measures around 24 to 32 inches can decrease turbulence at the rear end of the trailer. Properly installed, boat tails can save you around 6% on fuel if you’re traveling at 65 mph.
• Vented Mud Flaps: Simple but effective truck accessories, vented mud flaps allow air to pass through and decrease resistance while catching mud, dirt, etc.

How Do International Trucks Stack Up?

International trucks are designed with aerodynamics in mind, so you don’t have to spend a considerable amount of time and money on parts and accessories to help make your semi truck more efficient. The ProStar, for example, boasts smooth radius edges and a sloped hood that not only make it look more streamlined, but minimize aero drag.

And that’s not all. Its A-pillar design and windshield radius were developed after extensive wind tunnel testing, while the cab-to-sleeper and cab extenders cut down turbulence. Set-back front axles simplify loading while creating an airflow region along the front wheels, allowing the air from the engine compartment to travel through the front grille.

Learn More About Truck Maintenance with International Used Truck Centers!

Another important aspect of your truck that affects fuel economy is its tires. Check out our semi truck tire selection and maintenance guide for more information on choosing the best, most efficient tires for your application! If you have any questions about semi truck aerodynamics, or want to learn more about some of the most fuel-efficient used trucks we have for sale, contact us!