The Walker Group, a division of Wabash National Corporation and a leading producer of liquid transportation systems, recently introduced a number of innovations designed to improve fuel economy, reduce weight, and enhance damage resistance in tank trailers.
“In today’s operating environment, the ability to provide tank truck carriers with innovative solutions that reduce the trailer’s total cost of ownership, enhance productivity and improve fuel economy is more important than ever,” says John Cannon, vice-president of engineering of The Walker Group. “We’re pleased to offer our customers products that have a track record of performance and success in the market.”
Working with sister division Wabash Composites, The Walker Group now offers an optional DuraPlate AeroSkirt designed specifically for tank trailer applications. The DuraPlate AeroSkirt, which has been available on dry van and refrigerated van trailers since its introduction in 2009, delivers fuel economy savings up to 7% in tank trailer applications, based on field tests with a leading tank truck carrier.
The DuraPlate AeroSkirt is the most durable aerodynamic solution for over-the-road trailers. Its proven structural composite material consists of two external steel skins thermally bonded to a high-density polyethylene (HDPE) core, for superior strength that resists damage. A proprietary spring-bracket design allows for inboard and outboard deflection, to further resist potential impact damage, leading to longer service life.
The Walker Group introduced a next-generation composite jacket in 2012 that reduces tank trailer weight by at least 250 pounds and is more impact resistant than traditional stainless steel wrap. The composite jacket was featured at the annual Walker Group Expo in June 2013.
In addition, the second-generation Lean Duplex tank trailer, introduced in 2010, continues to offer customers a new type of stainless steel that offers improved temperature performance, cost stability and corrosion allowance while reducing weight by 700 pounds from the typical DOT 407 chemical tank trailer. Brenner Tank, a unit of The Walker Group, originally introduced Lean Duplex to the market in 2006, when nickel costs escalated to nearly $25 per pound, essentially doubling the price on common chemical tank trailers.
Customers can learn more about the DuraPlate Aeroskirt for tank trailers, as well as the composite jacket and Lean Duplex options, at 800-558-9750 or [email protected].