Bass straightens up
Page 10
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MISALIGNMENT of trailer axles increases tyre drag and thus in creases the fuel consumption according to a test carried out by Bas Charrington.
In conjunction with Tracker Trucks of Cold Ashby, Northamptonshire, tests were made using a Leyland Cruiser coupled to a York trailer loaded with 28 tons of concrete blocks.
Two tests were carried out with varying degrees of axle misalignment to compare with the base test using parallel axles.
The base test gave a fuel consumption of 41.2 lit/100km (6.84 mpg) using a Lucas Kienzle flowmeter.
With the leading trailer axle set three inches to the rear on the offside, the fuel consumption recorded was 42.6 lit/100km (6.62mpg) which compared with 41.8 lit/100km (6.75mpg) for a set up where the front axle was set two inches to the rear and the second axle two inches forward, both on the offside.
Bass Charrington estimates that, over the whole of its trailer fleet, the potential fuel saving of correct axle alignment could be over £25,000.
Dunlop was also present at the tests to investigate the effects of misalignment on the tyres.
Tyre wear measurement wa not practical because of th, varying state of wear on all eigh trailer tyres before the test, started, but it was found tha there was a significant increast in temperature when the axle; were set out of line.
The worst variation was frorr 19° to 31° C (66 to 88°F) on th( near side outer tyre when both axles were misaligned.
Each test run on the MIRA high speed number one circuii consisted of five laps each at 40, 50, and 60 mph to give a total distance of 72km (45 miles).