Great Dane Trailers on Wednesday, Jan. 24, unveiled plans for participation at the Technology and Maintenance Council 2007 Annual Meeting and Transportation Technology Exhibition Feb. 5-9 in Tampa, Fla. The focal point of Great Dane’s exhibit at the Tampa Convention Center will be an experimental aerodynamic trailer designed by Great Dane for Wal-Mart in partnership with International Truck and Engine Corp.
Great Dane says the experimental aerodynamic trailer on display in its 1,200-square-foot exhibit booth, No. 1650, represents continuous efforts with industry partners like International over many years to develop practical aerodynamic solutions that would lead to fuel savings. The one-of-a-kind SSL dry freight van was designed in response to Wal-Mart’s environmental initiatives and requests for ways to save fuel and reduce emissions. Some of the aerodynamic features of the display trailer include deployable underbody “skirts,” a tapered aft section, single-wide tires and smooth wheel covers.
“The Wal-Mart trailer incorporates important aerodynamic concepts into a very functional design,” says Charlie Fetz, vice president research and development at Savannah, Ga.-based Great Dane Trailers. “While many of the aerodynamic features are experimental, they represent viable solutions for fuel efficiency that may be widely accepted and available in the future.”
In addition to the booth display, Great Dane also will boast a strong presence at TMC’s Annual Meeting and Exhibition. Members of the manufacturing and engineering staff — along with company experts in quality, sales and operations, parts and service — will be available to assist attendees. Project engineer Dan Carter will represent Great Dane in a trailer study group session on dock restraints and their impact on trailer maintenance. The study session is scheduled for Feb. 9 from 8 to 9:30 a.m.
