Schmitz Cargobull launches shape-shifting trailers

German trailer giant Schmitz Cargobull (SCB) has launched a range of curtainside trailers with aerodynamic roof profiles. The EcoGeneration range includes two variants with adjustable roofs to suit bulkier loads.

SCB claims fuel savings of five per cent are in easy reach, while operators who have trialled the equipment on long-distance high-speed runs report savings of up to 10 per cent. The roof profile is similar to those on trailers which have long been manufactured in the UK by Don-Bur and others, with a tapered height to the rear which reduces turbulence behind the vehicle.

There are three variants – EcoFix, EcoFlex and EcoVarios. The latter two use adjustable roof height technology first developed by SCB for use on its Varios body, where it facilitates the loading of tall items.

EcoFix has a fixed roof profile, tapering down from a front height of four metres. SCB says it is ideal for transporting heavy cargoes such as steel and paper that will weigh out before they bulk out. It requires no driver intervention, and the curtains are opened and fastened in the normal manner.

The EcoFlex is more versatile, as the rear of the trailer can be raised to the full four-metre height when required, giving three metres internal height. SCB says it will appeal to general hauliers who can utilise the full height on the full length of the trailer on some operations, but will benefit from the reduced drag and fuel savings on others when less than full volume loads are carried and the roof can be lowered at the rear.

Where very high volumes are required, the EcoVarios model allows the entire roof to be raised (as on the existing SCB Varios trailer) to facilitate loading. The rear of the trailer roof can then be lowered to create the aerodynamic profile if the load allows it.

Roof height is adjusted on both EcoFlex and EcoVarios by a manually-operated hydro-pneumatic pump, with the trailer roof rails flexing to form the aerodynamic curve.

The process takes about 10 minutes and the curtainsides and straps are designed to accommodate the variations in roof height.

All three variants are available on any applicable SCB chassis, including the X-Light.

Like all new SCB curtainsiders, the Eco models come as standard with SCB’s TrailerConnect telematics system. The additional weight of the adjustable system is around 50 kg.