I just ran across a study……….it’s a PDF.

If I read it right their conclusion is that “significant” increases in fuel mileage can be accomplished by improving Aerodynamics. Interestingly enough they also conclude that 60 % of the truck-trailer combination aerodynamic drag is due to the trailer.

Well that leaves me out. They’re talking about a van. I pull company trailers but they are all some variation of a flatbed.

However…this article says……” Improved fuel efficiency by 45% ”


This article says….. The M2-106 can boast up to a 30 percent savings in fuel consumption and up to an 87 percent reduction in idling time,”

These are both comments regarding the new Freightliner class 7 hybrid.

There is a lot of work being done on Hybrids. There are several medium duty hybrids hitting the market. International, Kenworth, Peterbilt, and Volvo have hybrid drives. Unfortunately they are of the Parallel design. I think that’s a bad idea. Too complex. I wonder why none of the billion dollar companies doing all this didn’t ask me? Such a mystery.

I could post a lot of links….a LOT….supporting my contention that the way to go is Hybrid Electric….series hybrid in particular. The fuel savings are just enormous.

The Army is even doing it. ” the Heavy Expanded Mobility Tactical Truck (HEMTT A3), which uses 20 percent less fuel than its current equivalent”

Taken as a whole it appears that fuel economy can be doubled….truck AND trailer. Imagine that….a big rig getting the fuel economy of a ‘57 Caddy.

Everyone is getting higher fuel milage except me. No Heavy Duty Hybrids and Aerodynamics doesn’t matter for open platform trailers.

So sad….I think I’ll pout for a while.