Optimize Your Trailer for Better Fuel Efficiency

In today’s economic climate, fuel efficiency isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s a mission-critical metric that affects operational costs, environmental compliance, and the longevity of your fleet. The good news? Small, strategic upgrades and consistent preventive maintenance can yield big savings over the long haul.

The Role of Aerodynamics

Aerodynamic drag is a trailer’s number one enemy when it comes to efficiency—especially at highway speeds where resistance increases exponentially.

Proven Aerodynamic Upgrades

• Side Skirts: These attach along the bottom edges of the trailer to block wind from going underneath, reducing turbulence.
• Trailer Fairings: Installed on the front and rear of trailers to streamline airflow and reduce suction drag.
• Roof Fairings: Especially useful for box trailers, these help divert air up and over the trailer instead of slamming into a flat surface.
• Wheel Covers: Smooth covers installed over trailer wheels reduce rotational drag.
• Trailer Tails: These collapsible extensions reduce the low-pressure wake behind a trailer, improving efficiency up to 4%.

Fuel Savings Potential: Implementing a full aerodynamic package can improve fuel economy by 7% to 10%, depending on road conditions and speed.

Trailer Skirts and Fairings

Your trailer’s aerodynamics play a foundational role in fuel efficiency. As a semi-truck moves down the highway, turbulent air underneath the trailer creates drag that increases resistance—forcing the engine to work harder and consume more fuel.

Installing side skirts and rear trailer fairings can reduce drag by guiding airflow more smoothly around and under the trailer. These components have been shown to improve fuel efficiency by up to 5%–7% depending on driving conditions.

Roof Fairings

For high-profile box trailers, especially those paired with sleeper cabs, roof fairings are essential. These deflect airflow over the trailer, reducing turbulence between the cab and trailer roof—a common source of aerodynamic drag.

Tire Selection and Maintenance

Low Rolling Resistance Tires

Tires may seem like a static factor, but they’re one of the most underestimated components affecting fuel efficiency. Opting for low rolling resistance (LRR) tires can save up to 3% in fuel usage. These are engineered with specialized rubber compounds and tread patterns that reduce energy loss as the tire rolls.

Tire Inflation Systems

Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance significantly. Manual pressure checks are often skipped during daily inspections, but automatic tire inflation systems (ATIS) can maintain ideal pressure without driver input—protecting against unnecessary fuel burn and blowouts.

Weight Distribution and Load Management

Proper Loading Practices

Overloading or uneven distribution can wreak havoc on fuel efficiency. An improperly loaded trailer increases stress on the drivetrain and contributes to excessive tire wear, engine strain, and suspension degradation.

Train loading personnel to follow strict weight distribution protocols, especially when using air suspension systems which rely on load balance to function optimally.

Reduce Empty Miles

One of the most efficient ways to cut fuel costs is to eliminate deadhead miles. Use logistics software to optimize route planning and ensure that loads are matched with return trips whenever possible.

Trailer Component Upgrades

Wheel Covers and Trailer Tails

Adding wheel covers helps streamline airflow around the rotating wheels, reducing drag. Similarly, trailer tails (collapsible extensions on the rear doors) help smooth out turbulent air at the back of the trailer, further improving fuel efficiency by up to 4%.

Lightweight Materials

Aluminum crossmembers and high-strength, low-alloy steels can lower your trailer’s curb weight without sacrificing durability. Every pound you cut translates to less strain on the engine, boosting your MPG over long routes.

Maintenance and Mechanical Best Practices

Suspension and Alignment

Misaligned axles and worn suspension components create additional rolling resistance and uneven tire wear. Inspect leaf springs or air suspension systems every quarter, ensuring even support across the load and reducing drag from mechanical inefficiencies.

Bearings and Brakes

Poorly maintained wheel bearings and brake systems are silent fuel wasters. Excess friction leads to overheating and component fatigue—and higher fuel bills.

Wheel Bearing Checklist

• Inspect and repack bearings every 12,000–15,000 miles.
• Check for signs of overheating, such as discoloration or noise.
• Use quality bearing grease for long-haul stability.

Brake Drag Prevention

• Inspect slack adjusters for overextension or improper travel.
• Check S-cams and return springs regularly.
• Ensure air system pressure is within manufacturer specs.

When brakes drag, they fight against the motion of the vehicle and increase fuel burn—even if it's barely noticeable at the pedal.

Emissions and After-Treatment

DPF and SCR Maintenance

Dirty or failing diesel particulate filters (DPF) restrict exhaust flow, forcing the engine to burn more fuel to maintain performance. Make sure DPF regeneration is successful and that selective catalytic reduction (SCR) systems are functioning properly. Clogged exhaust components reduce airflow, which translates to reduced fuel efficiency.

ECM Tuning for Fuel Economy

An ECM reprogrammed for fuel economy can adjust injection timing and torque output to favor efficiency over raw performance. While this won’t work for every operation, especially those requiring high torque, it’s a viable option for regional or last-mile delivery fleets.

Driver Habits and Monitoring

Telematics and Training

All the mechanical upgrades in the world won’t help if the driver has a lead foot. Invest in telematics systems that track idle time, harsh acceleration, and unnecessary braking. Train your drivers to utilize cruise control, avoid rapid gear changes, and minimize idle time to maximize fuel efficiency.

Conclusion

From aerodynamic upgrades to preventive inspections and ECM tuning, each component of your trailer and operating practice plays a critical role in your fleet's overall fuel economy.

If you require trailer preventive maintenance in Fontana, CA, reach out to JB Trailer Service today.