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Trailer design and innovation
Page 17
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FOLLOWING THE article (CM 3 July) regarding my comments on the Teardrop design, I would like to put my views at the recent FTA CO, Conference into perspective.
During presentations on developments in vehicle design aimed at reducing fuel consumption, a number of initiatives and ideas were put forward as worthy of consideration. Operators were, rightly in my view, encouraged to be innovative. I raised the question of how we could improve aerodynamic efficiency at the front of the trailer. The Teardrop trailer was a case in point, where Don-Bur had sought to improve aerodynamic design by including a forward sloping front of the trailer.
At John Lewis, we are currently looking at options to improve the aerodynamic efficiency of both tractor and trailer.
In addition to changing the design of the front of the trailer, various mouldings arc also feasible. Given that car transporters enjoy 4.19m, what is the industry's view on some latitude or interpretation that would enable us to moderately improve the aerodynamics of trailers without having to compromise platform length, after all we are only trying to save fuel?
Don-Bur is a supplier to John Lewis, and we operate more than 130 of its conventional design lifting deck trailers.
It has broken the mould with Teardrop and created much discussion in the industry over the radical design. After a visit to DonBur's factory, conventional trailers now look distinctly oldfashioned. Don-Bur should he commended for trying to move our industry forward. There is a debate to be had on how we can get the scope to innovate.
Ray Coltington Fleet engineer John Lewis