In The News

Utility Trailer introduces the next generation in side skirts

CITY OF INDUSTRY, Calif. — Utility Trailer Manufacturing Co. has introduced the USS-120A, Utility’s next generation advanced aerodynamic side skirt.

The USS-120A is U.S. EPA SmartWay  verified as an “Advanced Side Skirt” providing a minimum of 5 percent fuel savings, and can be used with low rolling resistance tires on dry vans to achieve CARB (California Air Resources Board) compliance for California operations.

“We have engineered the USS-120A to be the next generation in aerodynamic devices,” said Craig Bennett, senior vice president, sales and marketing at Utility. “The new side skirt design is even more durable and lighter than our previous designs.”

Similar to the previous two side skirt designs, Utility Side Skirt 120 (USS-120) and Utility Side Skirt 160 (USS-160), the new USS-120A is also created with patent pending galvanized high tensile steel braces that allow the side skirt to flex both inward and outward.

The next generation USS-120A side skirt includes an F.R.P. cover over Utility’s unique 5-hole pattern design on the wingplate. The covered wingplate holes effectively increase the length of the side skirt by up to 2-feet, which increases aerodynamic efficiency. Additionally, the rear edge of the skirt at the support leg assembly is connected by a “slip joint” for reduced impact damage.

“Utility is committed to utilizing the most advanced technologies to manufacture products that far exceed today’s industry standards,” said Bennett. “The new USS-120A is a direct result of our extensive research and testing to improve upon our previous side skirt designs.”

The new USS-120A will be featured at Utility’s press conference during the Great American Trucking Show located at the Dallas Convention Center on August 25th at 2:45pm CST in the Press Conference Room #D-221. For a look at the new USS-120A, visit Utility’s booth #20145 Hall F during GATS.

The USS-120A is now available as a factory installed option for new Utility trailers. Retrofitting for existing trailers is available through Utility’s Aftermarket Department. To find out more about Utility’s new USS-120A, contact a local dealer. To locate the nearest authorized Utility dealership, visit: here .

Utility Trailer Manufacturing is America's oldest privately owned, family-operated trailer manufacturer. Founded in 1914, the company designs and manufactures dry freight vans, flatbeds, refrigerated vans, Tautliner curtainsided trailers, and side skirts.

Kevin Jones of The Trucker staff can be reached for comment at [email protected] .

www.theTrucker.com