W Trailer offers the right profile
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Aerodynamic trailer and body profiling work has turned into a major part of W Trailer's dayto-day business.
Words: Kevin Swallow
AERODYNAMIC refurbishment and modification work on trailers and trucks has evolved into a significant part of Keighley, West Yorkshire-based W Trailer's everyday work.
Over the past 18 months, aerodynamic modifications, using its Ecosweep sloping roof, have increased 40% ,reveals managing director Graerne Wilson. It now represents about 40% of the business.
"We have done about 50 modifications; operators are coming to us," he adds.
Most recent is Teesside-based Devereux Transport, which had two of its rigid box vans turned into Ecosweep curtainsiders.
With the fuel savings aerodynamic profiling offers, Wilson says the conversion will pay for itself in six to 12 months.
"Most the work we do is on trailers that are five to 10 years old, but some have been younger. It's the taller stuff that tends to get modified — 4.5m and above," he says.
Wilson continues: "We do all brands of trailer, with 60% of the work being done on our own trailers. In 2006 and 2008, new sales were priority, so we didn't have as much capacity available. Over the past 18 months, new sales have dropped back.
"The new market won't return to what it was, so refurbishment will remain."