Betts Spring has linked up -- by way of a strategic alliance -- with Spraydown USA to offer broad access to the latter’s spray-suppression devices. As well, the two companies have developed an integrated spray-suppression answer that combines the patented Spraydown Aero Guard mud-flap system with Betts’ own and also patented DirectFlex hanging system.
 
The Aero Guard is more than a flap, rather it's an engineered plastic device that replaces the traditional mud flap. It manages air flow to generate fuel savings while improving driver visibility, the company says. By directing up to 98% of spray back to the road and out of the drivers’ view, it's said to deliver much improved safety during wet conditions. Spraydown says its aerodynamic design has also delivered fuel savings approaching 4% in certified test-track and field tests. At that rate, payback would be a matter of just a few weeks.

The DirectFlex hanging system is known for its abuse-resistance and mud-guard-retention properties.
 
The integrated solution, somewhat awkwardly called the DirectFlex2 Flexible Hanger System Featuring Spraydown Aero Guard System, replaces typical mud flap/bracket components and "substantially" reduces the risk of guard loss due to curb pinch, landing gear entanglement or other such abuse, the companies say.

Other claimed advantages include reduced downtime and the likelihood of more consistent DOT compliance. 

The Spraydown Aero Guard System was first launched in Europe in 2007 but is now also manufactured in the U.S. under an exclusive licence agreement with Spraydown Ltd., of Stirling, Scotland.

Spraydown USA chose Betts and its Life-Time Fenders subsidiary as their exclusive distribution partner to serve the OEM tractor market and aftermarket distribution channels.  Spraydown USA will manage distribution in the trailer world.