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Laydon Composites Ltd, has been designing and producing truck and
trailer aerodynamics since 1994. Our knowledge and experience,
working with the trucking industry is vast and our test studies
from Computational Fluid Dynamics, Wind Tunnel, Test Tracks and
Fleet Tests have revealed a wealth of information.

 It’s true, the trucking industry, as a whole is very skeptical
and can be reluctant to adopt new technologies with claims of high
fuel savings, especially if these devices require any type of
interaction with the driver or impedes daily operation. There are
typically three available technologies for trailer aerodynamics:
(a) Nose Devices. Independent test results have shown there is
very little gain with nose devices when the tractor is already
equipped with an aerodynamic roof fairing and the gap between the
back-of-cab, front-of-trailer is optimized. These devices are also
susceptible to yard damage when trailer is parked. (b) Boat Tails.
There are various types of “boat tails” for the rear, which have
claims of high fuel savings but these devices have been shunned by
industry experts as being too cumbersome to operate and affects
everyday usage. (c) Trailer Skirts. Tests performed by some major
trucking fleets have shown  6% fuel saving but the area of
coverage is considered “high impact”. For maximum efficiency and
ROI, trailer skirts must be made of impact and dent resistant
material, easily replaceable, cover the area from the trailer
bogey to the landing gear and cover 70% from the trailer bottom
rail to the ground, leaving 15 to 16 inches of ground clearance.
Trailer Skirts require zero or little maintenance and do not
affect daily operations and remain an easily installed emission
lowering device. For test results and product information, contact
Laydon Composites Ltd. 905-563-0849.