Aperia, FlowBelow combine forces

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NASHVILLE, TN – Aperia Technologies and FlowBelow Aero have been competing for some of the same space at the end of truck wheels. Now they’ve found a way to work together.

The combined systems promise to boost fuel economy 3-4%.Aperia’s Halo tire inflation system, which generates the needed air pressure as a wheel rotates, can now be fitted with one of FlowBelow’s aerodynamic wheel covers using an integrated bracket.

Each has the goal of improving fuel efficiency. The makers of the Halo say their system can improve fuel economy by 2%, and FlowBelow says its aero kits can offer a boost of 2.25%. Collectively, they are said to offer savings of 3-4%.

“We don’t actually compete,” said Josh Butler, president of FlowBelow. But there was no question that the businesses were bumping into each other when selling their wheel-end products. Josh Carter, Chief Executive Officer of Aperia, noted that the FlowBelow wheel covers were “far and away” the product most likely to require the same space.

Meanwhile, FlowBelow is expanding its product offerings later this year.

AeroFender will replace standard non-aerodynamic quarter fenders in front of a tractor’s forward-most drive wheels. Each will add less than 10 pounds to a truck, but improve aerodynamics while also reducing spray and debris.

A Trailer AeroKit mounted to trailer suspensions will include the familiar aerodynamic wheel coverings as well as fairings that sit in front, between and behind the wheels. The design also matches the aesthetics of trailer skirts, Butler said, while the front fairing will hinge out of the way for access under the trailer.

“We do not have fuel savings claims right now but they are positive,” he said of the pending launches.

– The original version of this article was updated to include plans for new FlowBelow products.

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John G. Smith is Newcom Media's vice-president - editorial, and the editorial director of its trucking publications -- including Today's Trucking, trucknews.com, and Transport Routier. The award-winning journalist has covered the trucking industry since 1995.


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