TrailerTail technology heads to the UK with SDC27 September 2012

Fresh from its European debut at the IAA commercial vehicle show in Hannover last week, TrailerTail technology is to arrive in the UK next week, courtesy of UK sole distributor, SDC Trailers.

Designed and tested by ATDynamics, TrailerTail has undergone on-road trials with TNT in Europe, ahead of market launch, which demonstrated an ability to cut fuel consumption by over 6% at motorway speeds, and more than 13% when combined with other aerodynamic features, such as side-skirts.

The tail uses an origami folding panel design that allows the tails to collapse when a semi-trailer's rear doors are opened. They are made from thermoplastic composite materials, helping to reduce weight and so also improve fuel economy, and are available as original equipment of as an aftermarket fitment.

"SDC has constantly been at the forefront of trailer technology that delivers operational and financial benefits to logistics businesses," explains Paul Bratton, SDC director.

"We were first with the longer semi-trailer and now we're introducing the TrailerTail to the UK market to help operators save fuel and reduce carbon emissions – both of which are high on many business agendas at the moment."

Although not yet legal for use on public roads in the UK, SDC has been assessing the design with a view to adding it as an option to its full trailer range.

At around 1.2m in length when fully extended, the TrailerTail fits into the scope of the DfT's longer semi-trailer regulations and would allow operators, whose loads already meet the maximum gross weight, to realise the financial and operational benefits the regulations are partly intenced to deliver.

Author
John Challen

Related Companies
SDC Trailers Ltd

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