FAQs

General

How does the tractor-trailer gap hurt fuel economy

With a large air gap between the tractor and trailer, high-speed air rushes into the void, causing a low-pressure area that drags on the tractor, hurting fuel economy.

CFD Source: TotalSIM US

How do TruckWings work to improve fuel efficiency?

With TruckWings, aerodynamic panels deploy to close the gap, causing airspeed to drop and reducing downstream turbulence. An increase in back-of-cab pressure reduces overall drag on the tractor-trailer – especially in high crosswind environments.

With TruckWings, airflow velocity in the gap is reduced (shown in purple and dark blue), raising pressure and reducing drag on the tractor. Flow stays attached to the top TruckWings panel and remains laminar on top of the trailer.

CFD Source: TotalSIM US

How much fuel can TruckWings save?

TruckWings have been proven to reduce fuel consumption by 3-6% on average through independent, third-party tests including TMC Type II weighed-tank fuel tests, computational fluid dynamics simulations, scale wind tunnel tests, and on-road fleet tests.

What 3rd party and independent fleet testing have you done to verify the savings?

Following the industry-standard approach for truck aerodynamics R&D, we validated TruckWings first in the wind tunnel with Auto Research Center and through computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations with TotalSIM US. In controlled testing environments, TruckWings were again validated by MVT Solutions and through TMC Type II weighed fuel tank tests. In operation, fleets have performed monitored tests exceeding 2 million miles of data to further verify savings from TruckWings.

Do TruckWings have additional benefits beyond fuel savings?

Yes, TruckWings have been shown to improve trailer stability and overall safety by streamlining the air flowing from the tractor to the trailer, reducing buffeting and trailer sway in high crosswinds. TruckWings also outperform even the longest side extenders on the market today, so fleets can save by ordering the shortest side extenders available from the factory and saying goodbye to costly damage repairs.

Will my drivers damage equipment if they forget to retract the TruckWings?

No, TruckWings are fully automated in deployment and retraction. Zero action from the driver is necessary to realize fuel savings on every trip.

How do TruckWings know when to deploy and retract automatically?

The TruckWings controller installed on the truck CAN data link provides real-time speed information used to determine if the truck is at highway speeds safe to deploy the panels. Additionally, a smart trailer sensor scans the area behind the TruckWings to ensure adequate clearance exists to deploy safely every time.

I already have a small tractor-trailer gap, what benefit would TruckWings give me?

A trailer pulled far forward contributes to increased operating costs from damaged side extenders, accelerated steer tire wear, and poor handling. TruckWings allow you to relax the fifth wheel settings for optimal weight distribution and steering feel while achieving even better on-highway drag reduction with less potential for damage.

I’m spending a fortune on damaged side extender repairs, won’t TruckWings have the same problem?

Maintenance directors know that long side extenders as part of a truck’s aerodynamic package are a compromise; the marginal savings they provide at highway speeds can be wiped out with a single damage event from trailer contact. TruckWings package within the envelope of the shortest factory side extenders on the market, giving up to 34” of gap coverage when you want it, and not an inch more around those tight turns in the yard. TruckWings let fleets skip the expensive, longer side extenders from the factory while reducing low-speed damage and improving on-highway fuel efficiency.

I cycle my fleet every 2 years, how can I see the savings in that case?

TruckWings can be financed through your dealer to deliver savings from day one. Additionally, TruckLabs offers an all-in-one transfer kit so that you can easily transition your TruckWings from one truck to the next – ensuring you see the full return on a system designed to last 1 million miles.

Design and Operation

How do I know if the TruckWings are working?

TruckWings are the first aerodynamic product in trucking to provide performance reports and operational uptime monitoring pulled directly from the truck, sent to the cloud, and delivered to your inbox. No more second-guessing if your investment is truly operational and saving fuel.

What trucks are compatible with TruckWings?

The majority of class 8 tractors with full aerodynamic fairing packages and horizontal exhausts from Kenworth, Freightliner, International, Volvo, and Peterbilt are currently supported.

Are TruckWings compatible with Reefers, Heaters, or other trailer accessories?

TruckWings are most effective on fleets running dry van or intermodal trailer operations, but a smart trailer sensor can detect any object too close to the cab and prevent deployment if necessary.

Can I carry load locks or other back-of-cab accessories?

Yes, custom accessory options are available and a TruckLabs Customer Success manager will work with you to ensure the TruckWings system is optioned to suit your fleet’s needs.

What are TruckWings made out of?

The panels are made from glass-reinforced polypropylene. This material is widely used in the industry inside trailer bodies and other aerodynamic technologies due to its light weight and durability. The frame is made of 5052 aerospace-grade aluminum that is fastened together using Grade 8 corrosion-resistant bolts. It is fastened to the back of the cab with high-strength aluminum rivets used in shipbuilding, trucks, passenger buses, and trailers.

How much do TruckWings weigh?

The average system weight is 240 lbs.

How are the TruckWings powered?

TruckWings are powered using the truck’s own secondary compressed air system to drive three pneumatic cylinders controlled by a central directional valve.

How will TruckWings hold up in winter weather and severe road conditions (cold, ice, road salt, etc)?

TruckWings have been road-tested by fleets across Canada, Montana, Wisconsin, and Indiana through three winters of snow, winds, and ice. We apply the same corrosion-resistant zinc-aluminum plating used in truck undercarriages on all our fasteners. The ISO 15552-rated actuators are capable of performing down to -30ºF and resisting all wind loads within the safe operating limits of your tractor and have undergone 10-year accelerated life testing to ensure operation over the life of the product. Our oldest models on the road today have performed over 500,000 miles in 3 years only requiring a 20-minute bushing service.

Installation and Maintenance

How will TruckWings hold up in winter weather and severe road conditions (cold, ice, road salt, etc)? How long does it take to install TruckWings?

TruckWings can be shipped fully assembled – only requiring adapter brackets to be riveted to the cab before lifting the entire system onto the brackets. The total installation takes less than two hours from start to finish.

What is the expected lifetime of TruckWings?

Under normal operating conditions, TruckWings are designed to perform for 1,000,000 miles or 10 years, depending on the vehicle’s annual mileage with preventative maintenance performed.

Do the TruckWings require routine maintenance?

Routine inspections are designed to maximize uptime and align with existing tractor PMI schedules. The PMI checklist should take no more than 15 minutes to perform. Engineered composite bushings used in pivot points deliver low wear rates and quiet operation, without the need for lubrication. TruckLabs recommends the replacement of bushings at 150,000 miles, and they are easily accessed and replaced from the catwalk in under 30 minutes.

Who can service TruckWings and how do I order spare parts?

Any service center currently maintaining fleet trucks can directly order parts from TruckLabs and repair the units themselves with access to our catalog of Maintenance, Troubleshooting, and Repair Guides. Training can be provided to familiarize the service center company with our documentation, the parts ordering process, and the easy bolt-on / bolt-off procedures.