MVT Solutions CertifiedTM testing of the latest Rocketail design showed savings of 3.58 gal/1000 miles (3.36%). Changes from the previous MVTS CertifiedTM design include minor adjustment to the wing profile, which improved fuel savings and durability. An advantage we see with the Rocketail for a solution at the rear of the trailer is that it functions with the opening and closing of the doors. This ensures a 100% deployment rate, therefore obtains its full savings potential, and requires no driver interaction. The well thought out hinge design allows the Rocketail to fold back against the side of the trailer very easily and still allow doors to be secured simply.
Confident Results
MVTS worked with Rocketail through Research & Development testing as well as Certified testing. In total, we conducted 18 tests on the Rocketail, all of which showed fuel savings of 3 gal/1000 miles or greater. There is no question, the Rocketail saves the fuel we’re reporting. In scale model wind tunnel tests, the Rocketail showed lower values, which could be expected for a design like the Rocketail. It has intricate features that do not translate well for a scale model test. For example, the Rocketail has a gap of approximately 1-inch between its wing and the side of the trailer where air flows between them. In a 1/8 scale model this becomes a 1/8-inch gap, which is very small for high speed air to pass through. Instead of flow through, a 1/8-inch gap would have considerable blockage due to boundary layers. That would reduce the apparent effectiveness of the Rocketail in that scenario and reported savings. Rocketail is a technology where full size vehicle testing is much more reliable than scale model and we suggest carriers use MVTS test values to calculate ROI for their fleet.
Results for Any Carrier
Carriers can trust the test results are reliable for other tractor-trailer configurations, they are not specific to MVT’s fleet. During testing, vehicles were configured to represent the current industry-standard and did not include wheel covers or tractor wheel side fairings. Carriers can find directions on calculating their own fuel savings in the report, or can contact MVT Solutions with questions.
Independent Third Party Testing
MVT Solutions fuel economy testing is independent, 3rd party testing. We do not receive any payment from the sale of products tested. To learn more about the test, view the report above or contact us.
