Mesilla Valley Transportation Solutions has announced test results for The NextGen EkoStinger, an aerodynamic fairing for Class 8 tractor trailers. It is a one-piece design made with polyethylene that sits underneath the trailer in front of the rear wheels and slides with varying tandem positions. Testing in November 2021 demonstrated that the technology resulted in a fuel savings of 5.72 gallons per 1,000 miles or 5.30%.
Tests were conducted on 2019 International LT 625 with Cummins X15 15-liter engines and Eaton Endurant 12-speed automated manual transmissions pulling 53-foot Hyundai dry vans. A baseline test was run without the aerodynamic NextGen EkoStinger on the trailer and then the aerodynamic device was installed, and the test run again. (Note: the EkoStinger used in the test was a prototype unit.)
According to Daryl Bear, lead engineer and chief operating officer at MVT Solutions, “The fuel economy improvement of 5.72 gallons per 1,000 miles (5.30%) is a substantial fuel savings, which is comparable in magnitude to well-performing trailer skirts.”
