Michelin North America launched a SmartWay-verified aerodynamic trailer solution kit. The Michelin Energy Guard is for use on 53-ft dry-van truck load, refrigerated truck load and other long-haul and super-regional applications. In addition, Michelin Americas Truck Tires is introducing the Michelin X One Line Grip D drive tire for fleets looking to maximize driver confidence in harsh weather operating in long-haul and super-regional routes, the company said. Available in May 2018, the Michelin X One Line Grip D will meet SmartWay requirements for low-rolling resistance tires and replaces the wide-base single, the Micheline X One XDN2.
The Michelin Energy Guard is an aerodynamic solution consisting of a trailer skirt, trailer-end fairings, aerodynamic mud flaps and a wake reducer. According to Michelin, the integrated kit eliminates the need for “boat tails” or aerodynamic combining elements.
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The fully-integrated Energy Guard kit boasts several innovations with its patent-pending design. The trailer skirt integrates with other aerodynamic components, while its advanced technology enables coverage and stiffness without sacrificing durability, Michelin stated. The skirt’s flexible design folds out of the way if it strikes an obstacle or debris, while the trailer-end fairings direct airflow to the back of the trailer. The wake reducer minimizes the effect of the recirculation zone behind the trailer. The trailer end fairings and wake reducer are automatically functioning, always activated requiring no driver actions. The aerodynamic mud flaps reduce vehicle drag and road spray. It will be available in June.
Dry van, truck load, tanker and refrigerated fleets looking for driver confidence in harsh weather can now depend on theMichelin X One Line Grip D. This tire has a “three peak mountain snowflake” (3PMSF) designation for use in severe snow conditions. Wide open shoulder grooves help deliver all-weather traction for driver confidence, Michelin stated.
Available in 445/50R22.5 and 455/55R22.5 sizes, this wide-base single drive tire will meet SmartWay requirements and is greenhouse-gas regulation compliant. The Michelin X One Line Grip D allows fleets to carry 389 lbs of additional payload versus dual-wheel applications, critical for weight-sensitive fleets. Replacing the Micheline X One XDN2 with the Michelin X One Line Grip D and its enhanced tread compound results in an estimated annual fuel savings of $550 by (based on estimated fuel price of $2.99 per gallon), according to the company.
