Installing aerodynamic add-ons may require a few sets of hands and some time, but the work will be worth it

Any kind of device that improves the aerodynamics of a rig will save fuel. We visited Calex, a Pittston, Pa., fleet that runs a number of reefers and dry freight vans to witness the installation of a Carrier Transicold Freight Wing Aeroflex fairing system by technicians Al Hite and Tom Kennedy Jr.

The system consists of two fairings, 270-inches long, that mount under the trailer, one on each side.

1.  The first step is pre-assembly of hinges that will allow the lower edges of the fairings to be held in place by diagonal braces. These need to be mounted on the fairings, and the support rod attaching bolts and clamps must be assembled.

Determine where to mount the fairings. Slide the trailer tandems all the way to the front. Mark a point three inches forward of the front edges of the tires on the trailer’s side rail. The rear corner of the fairing will then be mounted on the nearest cross-member forward of this point. It will then run forward and angle in slightly so it will be just inside (about two inches) the landing gear legs or any related parts. Use a chalk line, or a string 270 inches long and a marker, to run a line from the rearward mounting point to the front mounting point two inches from the landing gear. Mark the cross-members to show where the fairing will run.

2. Use the markings made in Step 1 to locate the fairing sections along the bottom of the trailer. Clamp them in place with vice grips.

3. Install the fasteners attaching the sections together at the top.