Equipment

FlowBelow's aero wheel covers to be offered on Freightliner Cascadia

Feb. 29, 2016

Texas start-up inks Tier 1 supplier deal with market leader

NASHVILLE. FlowBelow Aero Inc. and Daimler Trucks North America have announced a deal to offer FlowBelow’s ‘Quick-Release’ Wheel Covers as an option on the fuel efficient Freightliner Cascadia Evolution equipment package beginning in the first quarter this year.

The wheel covers are designed to reduce aerodynamic turbulence and drag on the truck by streamlining airflow over the tractor’s drive wheels. The design provides instantaneous and tool-free access to the wheel end via FlowBelow’s patented ‘push and turn’ quick-release latching system, company officials demonstrated at the Technology and Maintenance Council Annual Meeting & Transportation Technology Exhibition here.

The tractor wheel covers are made in the USA using durable and flexible thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO) material commonly found in automotive applications.

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Butler

As part of the supplier agreement, FlowBelow products will be offered on all new Cascadia Evolution trucks built at Daimler’s truck plants, as well as made available for aftermarket purchase and installation through all Freightliner dealers in North America.

“Daimler Trucks North America continues to lead the industry with the most technologically advanced, fuel efficient trucks available,” said Josh Butler, founder and CEO of Texas-based FlowBelow Aero. “With the option to include the FlowBelow Quick-Release Wheel Covers to the Cascadia Evolution truck, we are providing increased value while also laying the groundwork for further aerodynamic enhancements.”

The complete FlowBelow Tractor AeroKit includes the Quick-Release Wheel Covers and a pair of Tandem Fairings that work together as a complete aerodynamic system to address the complex airflow around the exposed rear wheels of the tractor. The fuel savings provided by the Tractor AeroKit typically provides a return on investment for long haul trucking fleets in one year or less, according to the company.