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SOLUS is dedicated to the development of advanced truck and trailer aerodynamic technologies to improve fuel economy for long haul truckers, and to reduce our nation’s consumption of oil. SOLUS has collaborated with long haul fleet partners, engineering and manufacturing companies, federal labs and other research institutions to develop a portfolio of innovative equipment which includes 18 EPA SmartWay verified products.
The Split Skirt family of panels allows multiple options to choose aerodynamic solutions that will optimize performance based on the specific hauling requirements. This includes 7 slider products where the aft skirt panel moves with the tandem, and 7 products where the aft panel is fixed in position. The movable aft panel eliminates the skirt-to-wheel gap penalty, improving aerodynamic efficiency compared to a fixed skirt setup. It also provides access for maintenance and safety checks. The skirts are available in 18, 20, and 24 foot lengths, including a 20 foot skirt with full time access to the reefer fuel tank and the spare or tool box. All systems are constructed of high-density flexible plastic providing more than 20” of ground clearance and weighing less than 200 pounds. The EPA verified fuel savings for the Split Skirt are:
| Split Skirt (fixed aft panel): |
5.9% |
| Split Skirt-Reefer (fixed aft panel): |
4.8% |
| Split Skirt (movable aft panel): |
5.9% |
| Split Skirt-Reefer (movable aft panel): |
4.8% |
To complement the Split Skirt panels, SOLUS aerodynamic technologies address other high drag areas on the truck. The Thrust Fairing is a patent pending product, offering 1% fuel savings, that may be retrofitted over an existing trailer front edge radius or be part of a new trailer build where it can recover lost freight volume. The low profile Outboard Wake Board is a mini boat-tail system providing over 1% in fuel savings and compatible with swing door and roll-up door trailers. The system automatically stows and deploys when the swing doors are opened or during loading dock operations. The Wheel Cavity Cover minimizes the wheel cavity aerodynamic drag, using a large diameter central access hole to provide unrestricted visual and physical access. Drain holes are incorporated into the perimeter to control water accumulation and allow flushing of debris from the wheel cavity. EPA verified fuel savings are 1.3% for a set of four. Combining the Split Skirt with the other components provides verified fuel savings of 10% or more.
Four different Aero Package systems are available, providing fuel savings of 2.4%, 3.4%, 3.6% and 4.9%. These systems provide offer increased flexibility in choosing from the components above to match their budget and operational requirements. The Aero Package 2.4 (2.4% fuel savings) is a unique system, taking advantage of a 6 foot sliding micro-skirt paired with the Wheel Cavity Covers.
SOLUS offer a 5 year guarantee on its products, which are manufactured to provide at least 10 years of operational use. Customers are encouraged to return equipment at the end of its useful life in exchange for discounts on next generation technology. SOLUS is a registered service-disabled veteran-owned small business, and all products are made in America. For more information about SOLUS products visit: www.solusinc.com