DON-BUR Manufacture a Teardrop Demonstrator For Free Trials

By now, you will probably be aware of the new Teardrop shaped single-deck trailer, designed and manufactured exclusively by DON-BUR.

Since the original launch of the revolutionary aerodynamic concept last September and its successful fuel trials, several subsequent orders have been placed by major blue chip operators; the most publicised being those produced for M&S and PC World. You may also have seen the new DHL liveried example at the CV Show earlier this month.

Diesel prices continue to increase at a crippling rate and fuel economy has become critical to the success or failure of today’s transport operations. As a result, there has been much debate about the Teardrop Trailer, not least regarding the 10.44%** fuel savings reported by DHL. Over the years, numerous fuel saving figures have been claimed by a number of manufacturers, attributable to various aerodynamic ‘aids’ and many seasoned individuals have become sceptical about the validity, practicality and real value of those claims.

We recognise that the fuel savings generated by the Teardrop trailers will vary from operation to operation and, as we have absolute confidence in the product, we have decided to manufacture a demonstrator trailer, available to anyone who wishes to trial it in their own operation. The results from your trials will undoubtedly prove more realistic than any wind tunnel or track testing we can do.

Consider for a moment one standard tractor-trailer combination currently traveling 60,000 miles per annum at an average of 8.5 mpg. It will consume 32,080 litres of diesel at a cost (based on bulk price: 6th April 2009 of 83.84 pence per litre) of £26,895.93 and emit 84.37 tonnes of CO2 into the atmosphere. A 9.97% saving with a Teardrop trailer equates to £2,437.70; providing a rapid payback of just one year. To evaluate your own fleet costs, try our online calculator.

There is no reduction in load capacity and, if you can utilise the additional 10% volume in the Teardrop, you can reduce delivery frequency and fleet size. We now also manufacture curtainsider Teardrop trailers and Teardrop Rigid Bodywork.

As one well-known fleet operator has recently quoted, “It really is a no-brainer.”

To reserve your free trial booking, please e-mail richard.owens@donbur.co.uk.

**The Teardrop has been tested in comparison to a similar specification tractor-trailer combination, already complete with cab top deflectors, collars and full wrap aerodynamic trailer skirts.

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OUTLINE SPECIFICATION: (For full specification, please contact us)
13.6m Tandem Axle Box Van Teardrop Trailer
PLATING DATA
Maximum gross trailer weight:	28000kg.
Maximum gross trailer weight in Great Britain:	28000kg.
Maximum weight imposed on tractor:	10000kg.
Maximum bogie load:	18000kg.
Equally distributed on 2 axles.
MAJOR DIMENSIONS
Overall length:	13.660m
Overall width:	2.550m
Overall height of trailer:	4.500m (max)
Fifth wheel height (laden):	1.260m
Kingpin position - distance from front:	1.460m
Bogie position - distance from kingpin to centreline:	7.800m
Bogie axle spread:	1.360m
Interior height under roof sticks at max:	3.039m
Rear floor height:	1.350m
Rear aperture height:	2.138m (This can be increased)
Rear aperture width:	2.286m
Interior width, between panels:	2.490m
Interior length:	13.400m
AXLES
Make and model:	SAF – Disc Brake.
Capacity:	9000 kg
SUSPENSION
General description:	Tandem Axle SAF Air suspension
BRAKING SYSTEM
General Description:	2 line air. with Knor Bremse EBS and Roll Stability Programme
WHEELS & TYRES
I.S.O. Spigot – Special 120mm Offset. Rim size 11.75 x 22.5 with Pirelli 385/65 R22.5 Super Singles (4 off)
LANDING LEGS
2 speed complete with rocking feet
CHASSIS
Full length beam with high tensile steel channel crossbearers with folded steel side members. High tensile steel subframe welded to underside of bearers at rear to accept running gear.
RUBBING PLATE
High tensile steel EN 10025 Full width.
CROSS BEARERS
High tensile steel: Channel
FLOOR
Heavy Duty Wisawire phenolic faced plywood.
FRONT BULKHEAD
Tear Drop – forward swept complete with GRP panel.
REAR CLOSURE
Stainless steel welded construction fitted with heavy duty continuous hinge dry freight shutter. Grab handles recessed into both rear corner pillars. Frame raked forward 70mm.
ROOF
Special Tear Drop DON-BUR large radiused extruded aluminium cant rail section with INVISOFIX fixing providing smooth appearance. Roof covered with one piece aluminium panel. Fixed roof garment rails “WITHOUT FLIP BAR”.
SIDE PANELLING
“Technolite” aluminium honeycomb panelling secured at base and front with new radiused and bottom alloy extruded sections with INVISOFIX fixing providing smooth appearance.
UNDERRUN BAR
Fixed steel design to meet C & U regulations - Galvanised.
SIDE PROTECTION
Don-Bur unique fiberglass full 360 degrees wrap round side skirts including enclosed front & rear panels incorporating rear light clusters. Optimum amount of fixings
ELECTRICAL / ROAD LIGHTS
DON-BUR wiring harness fitted as standard. All mandatory lights including high intensity rear fog lamps. Front, rear and side marker lights to be LED type. Rear light cluster to be triple design set in side skirts. (2 x Hamburger round type per side LED) Reverse & fog bulb type.
SPECIAL FEATURES
Eight runs horizontal loadlok running full length of panel space. Four fluorescent interior lights with operating switch at rear. Pull-out access step fitted at nearside rear. Side to Side sliding suzie air coupling nose box.