What Are They?

Airtabs™ are unique, Vortex Generators (VG) that have been specially designed for trucks. They work by creating a controlled swirl of air, or vortex, which actually reduces wind resistance (or aerodynamic drag). Aerodynamic drag has long been a target for fuel economy on trucks. Airtabs™ Dramatically reduce the 'fish tailing' on trailers and have made tremendous impact on the handing of double trailers in Australia and North America. Here you can see Airtabs™ fitted to the tractor, (these can be painted to match the color of the truck). In this area, the vortex prevents air from entering the gap and creating turbulence.

Streamlined cabs and fairings have made improvements, but there is still the problem of the large flat area at the back of the vehicle and, for tractor-trailer units, the gap between the tractor and trailer. Here you can see Airtabs™ fitted to rear of the cab, this reduces the airflow into the gap between the tractor and trailer.

At the back of the vehicle is an area where the air has to rush in to fill the space left by the vehicle. Since the air has to make a sharp bend around the squared-off back of the vehicle, this creates a lot of drag and turbulence. The drag from both areas takes engine power to overcome, and therefore fuel. Here you can see Airtabs™ fitted to rear of the Trailer