Comments on: Trailer Tails – Commercially Available Device to Make Trucks 6-12% More Efficient

By: Walt

Walt — Wed, 01 Jun 2011 22:10:51 +0000

Well done. I worked on this concept in the late 90s with a group of engineers. The savings are definitely there. The biggest challenge is getting the cooperation of the drivers. Makes sure that in the marketing and implementation stages you involve the truck drivers.

By: Clos210

Clos210 — Wed, 13 Apr 2011 14:15:29 +0000

This things are useless if you’re a cheap freight hauler

By: stevil8

stevil8 — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 04:33:42 +0000

TrailerTail is built to self collapse to avoid injury during collision. TrailerTail has been crash-tested and was awarded exemption by the DOT (http://www.ops.fhwa.dot.gov/freight/sw/aerodevi...)

Also, TrailerTail® provides additional safety by stabilizing trucks. Because TrailerTails® streamline the airflow behind the trailer and minimize turbulent vortices, hazardous road spray created in wet weather is lessened and truck drivers notice that the backs of their trailers do not sway as much. In addition, by eliminating suction drag at the tail of the trailer, passenger cars have less incentive to harass drivers by tailgating dangerously close to the rear of the tractor-trailers.

The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has specifically confirmed a length exemption for TrailerTails. DOT federal law allows aerodynamic devices to extend up to five feet behind a trailer (23 CFR 658.16).

By: stevil8

stevil8 — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 20:33:42 +0000

By: Tormod

Tormod — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 04:57:19 +0000

Brilliant – I suppose there is more to come in the end.. – but what happens to you if you rear-end a device like this? Will your car be cut in two pieces by these ‘blades’ or will they collapse on a rear-end impact?

By: Julie Sammons

Julie Sammons — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 18:06:31 +0000

I had the opportunity to hear Andrew Smith discuss the Trailer Tail at the Presidio School of Management this past spring, and was very impressed by his enthusiasm, energy, and words of advice for fellow entrepreneurs.
Collectively, we must solve truly significant design challenges in the immediate future, but it’s encouraging to see how even small-scale design alterations like the Trailer Tail can make a substantial impact.
Which other products and industries are begging for similar niche design solutions? The possibilities seem endless – from lighting to packaging to materials reduction and beyond.