Small improvements in aerodynamics can add up to significant fuel savings for trucking fleets, especially when diesel prices are high.
With that in mind, FlowBelow Aero Inc. has launched its redesigned Trailer AeroSlider System, an aerodynamic solution designed to save up to 3 gallons of fuel per 1,000 miles traveled. The company introduced the system during the American Trucking Associations’ Management Conference & Exhibition (MCE), held Oct. 17-20 in Charlotte, N.C.
The launch comes as fleets contend with near-record-high diesel prices. The national average on-highway diesel price was $6.179 a gallon on Oct. 12, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, after reaching a record $6.529 on Sept. 21. Based on a diesel price of $6.18 per gallon and the company’s projected fuel savings, the AeroSlider could save fleets approximately $18.54 in fuel costs for every 1,000 miles a trailer travels.
How the AeroSlider works
The trailer AeroSlider targets one of the most aerodynamically complex areas of a tractor-trailer — the exposed wheels, suspension and underbody surrounding the trailer tandem. The system combines FlowBelow trailer wheel covers, flow-through mud flaps and optimized rear fairings.
Rather than simply shielding components from airflow, the rear fairings direct air leaving the tandem slightly outward and rearward. This dilutes the trailer wake and reduces turbulence around the wheels and suspension. Because the system mounts to and travels with the sliding suspension, it continues to deliver fuel savings as fleets reposition the tandem for different loads and axle-weight requirements.
Redesigned for simplicity and durability
FlowBelow first introduced the AeroSlider in 2017. According to the company, the newly launched system delivers greater fuel savings with a single fairing than the previous design achieved with separate center and rear fairings. The result is a smaller, more durable package that costs less, installs faster and fits virtually any make or model of dry van or reefer trailer.
The complete system weighs less than 30 pounds and can be installed on existing trailers in less than 45 minutes. Once installed, it requires no driver involvement.
Independently tested fuel savings
FlowBelow optimized the system through computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modeling, wind-tunnel testing and track testing.
In June 2026, MVT Solutions conducted independent fuel economy testing using 2019 International LT tractors pulling loaded 53-foot dry van trailers. The baseline test configuration included side skirts and trailer wheel covers. Adding the AeroSlider’s rear fairings and flow-through mud flaps saved 1.77 gallons of fuel per 1,000 miles compared to baseline.
In separate testing, MVT Solutions verified fuel savings of 1.23 gallons per 1,000 miles from FlowBelow trailer wheel covers. Combined, these independently measured improvements represent potential fuel savings of 3.0 gallons per 1,000 miles, according to FlowBelow.
Designed around fleet ROI
“Our goal with the AeroSlider was to develop an aerodynamic system that could pay for itself in less than 18 months for a typical regional or long-haul fleet at $3.00 per gallon diesel,” said Josh Butler, president and chief technology officer of FlowBelow. “At today’s fuel prices, payback can be less than 12 months, even for fleets whose trailers travel as little as 30,000 miles per year.”
Butler noted that aerodynamic products such as trailer side skirts have gained widespread acceptance because they deliver substantial fuel savings relative to their cost. He believes the AeroSlider could become another practical option for fleets seeking to reduce trailer drag without adding significant weight, maintenance requirements or driver involvement.
The Trailer AeroSlider is available directly from FlowBelow for retrofit installation and can be spec’d on new trailers through participating trailer manufacturers.
Linda Garner-Bunch has been with The Trucker since 2020, picking up the reins as managing editor in 2022. Linda has nearly 40 years of experience in the publishing industry, covering topics from the trucking and automotive industry to employment, real estate, home decor, crafts, cooking, weddings, high school sports — you name it, she’s written about it. She is also an experienced photographer, designer and copy editor who has a heartfelt love for the trucking industry, from the driver’s seat to the C-suite.
