FlowBelow Aero Inc. announced a new wheel cover design intended to simplify tire pressure checks and maintenance for fleets. The company will display the product, Wheel Covers with Easy Air Access, in booth No. 1329 at the Technology & Maintenance Council Annual Meeting & Transportation Technology Exhibition, March 16-19 in Nashville, Tennessee.
Wheel Cover Design Overview
Checking inner and outer tire pressures on commercial vehicles can require drivers and technicians to stoop or kneel to access valve stems positioned inside wheel rims. FlowBelow’s new design places both inflation valves on the center surface of the wheel cover, allowing tire pressure checks and inflation without removing the cover.
According to the company, the valve stems for both inner and outer tires are extended and routed through the center ring of the aerodynamic wheel cover. The configuration positions both valves between 20 and 22 inches from the ground.
“Our Easy Air Access version makes it safer and faster to check tire pressure with wheel covers than without them,” said Katie Breitschopf, executive vice president of business operations at FlowBelow. “We have engineered an aerodynamic product that makes it easier for drivers and technicians to maintain proper tire pressures.”
Development and Partnerships
FlowBelow engineers partnered with Pressure Systems International (PSI), a manufacturer of tire management systems for commercial vehicles, to develop and supply the air line components used in the system.
Optional auxiliary valves are available to support installation of tire pressure monitoring systems. FlowBelow also offers PSI’s TireView LIVE TPMS as an upgrade option.
Fleet Operations Impact
The company said fleets identified pre-trip inspection efficiency as a priority during product development. The design is intended to reduce the time and physical effort required to check tire pressure and to encourage consistent tire maintenance.
Proper tire inflation affects fuel efficiency and tire wear. By simplifying access to valve stems, the company said the system is designed to help fleets maintain recommended tire pressures while using aerodynamic wheel covers.
“Our team focuses on new product development to help fleets save fuel,” said Josh Butler, president and chief technology officer at FlowBelow. “Upgrading existing products to make monitoring tire pressure easier supports that goal.”
FlowBelow said its wheel covers reduce fuel consumption by 1.74% when installed on both tractor and trailer, based on track testing conducted by MVT Solutions. The company estimates that equates to about 2.16 gallons of fuel saved per 1,000 miles driven.
The Easy Air Access design has undergone 12 months of fleet testing, according to the company.
Purchase and Installation Options
Wheel Covers with Easy Air Access are available for purchase directly from FlowBelow and through modification centers for installation on new trucks. The Easy Air Access components can be retrofitted to existing FlowBelow wheel covers, or fleets can purchase complete wheel cover kits with integrated Easy Air Access and optional TPMS systems.
The product also will be demonstrated during a press conference in PSI’s booth No. 2015 at the TMC Annual Meeting & Transportation Technology Exhibition. Additional information is available at flowbelow.com.
