Fuel And Cooling Efficiency Benefits From Hatcher Fridge Spoilers
The company that pioneered truck aerodynamics is bringing further aerodynamic innovation to the temperature-controlled logistics sector, and we’ll be showcasing some of that over the next few months.
Hatcher has just added to its range of fridge spoilers. These are designed to enhance the flow of air through the refrigeration unit, whilst aerodynamically enhancing the truck itself.
The additions to the Fridge Spoiler range include the new facelifted Mercedes Benz Sprinter, MAN TGE and MAN TGL. The company has also developed a new spoiler for the new DAF LF, Volvo FL & Renault D Narrow cabs with wide refrigerated bodies. This extends across the entire 2500 mm cab width and comes with extended side streamers to push air around the wider vehicle bodies normally found with this cab.
Hatcher’s range also includes an extensive range of spoilers for refrigerated vehicles, where the fridge is mounted on the chassis.
Hatcher’s Craig Poacher suggests fleet managers shouldn’t overlook the fuel savings, even for vehicles on more urban routings. He acknowledges that Drag is influenced by numerous factors but work with a major courier revealed savings of 3% through a simple correction to aerodynamic kit. “There was insufficient adjustment to meet the height of the body, leaving a gap of 400mm. When this was corrected fuel efficiency improved by 3%. For a 16 tonne truck doing 50,000 miles a year, the payback could be less than 10 months,” he notes.
When it comes to aerodynamics the emphasis is on drag reduction but also on style. The company prides itself on matching manufacturer standards and designing products that complement the lines of any vehicle. “Many of our customers are extremely brand conscious and want this reflected throughout the business. This applies equally to a van for home deliveries or an artic on distribution centre to store runs,” adds Craig.
And style doesn’t mean any loss of functionality. AeroCool spoilers come with ‘cut-out’ for the fridge, a tilt and lock mechanism to allow easy access for servicing and maintenance and non-slip cat walk. “It is a simple mechanism that secures the air blade away from the body, giving engineers good and safe access to the refrigerator.”
AeroCool Spoilers can be supplied as an easy-install kit, or alternatively can be fitted by our expert engineers at our site in Framlingham. All AeroCool units are mounted using existing fixing points on the cab, which means no drilling is required. This ensures compliance with vehicle manufacturer warranty agreements.