Pressure Systems International and FlowBelow Aero are offering improved access to valve stems with their new Wheel Covers with Easy Air Access. The covers allow for extension of the valve stems for both inner and outer tires to route them through the center ring of FlowBelow’s aerodynamic wheel cover.
The configuration puts both inflation valves within easy reach, between 20 and 22 inches from the ground, FlowBelow said.
“Our wheel covers are very easy to take on and off, but our Easy Air Access version makes it safer and faster to check tire pressure with wheel covers, than without them,” said Katie Breitschopf, executive vice president of business operations for FlowBelow. “We are pleased to have engineered an aerodynamic product that makes it easier for drivers and technicians to maintain proper tire pressures.”
FlowBelow engineers partnered with P.S.I. to develop and supply the air line components required for the Easy Air Access system. Optional auxiliary valves allow for installation of tire pressure monitoring systems, and FlowBelow is offering P.S.I.’s TireView LIVE tire pressure monitoring system as an additional upgrade.FlowBelow
Market feedback drove development of the product, FlowBelow said, with fleets identifying pre-trip efficiency as a key objective. The redesign addresses multiple fleet priorities simultaneously: saving time, enhancing driver satisfaction, encouraging tire maintenance compliance, improving fuel economy and advancing worker safety.
FlowBelow wheel covers save a proven 1.74% in fuel when installed on both tractor and trailer, according to track testing performed by MVT Solutions. That translates to approximately 2.16 gallons of fuel saved for every 1,000 miles driven, the company noted.
The easy-air-access wheel covers went through 12 months of successful, real-world fleet testing, with close monitoring made possible by P.S.I.’s TireView LIVE telematics product.
Wheel Covers with Easy Air Access are available for purchase directly from FlowBelow, or can be specified through any mod-center for installation on new truck builds. Easy Air Access components may be retrofitted to wheel covers already on a vehicle, or fleets may purchase complete wheel cover kits with integrated Easy Air Access and optional TPMS systems.
[Related: Aerokit for tractors from FlowBelow features Flex Fairings]
