Trailer enhancements

Great Dane introduced major advances to its Classic Truckload refrigerated trailer and its Composite dry freight van Thursday, March 31, at a press event in Louisville, Ky.

Weight was trimmed out of the Classic Truckload, while maintaining its strength, said Rick Mullininx, executive vice president of engineering. Its bonded roof construction reduces weight while increasing durability and maintaining optimal thermal efficiency through the lamination process. And its lighter, yet stronger lining is designed to withstand everyday wear and tear and protect cargo.

A computer-controlled urethane injection process insulates roof and sidewall components completely, he said. The addition of Great Dane’s ThermoGuard, a thermoplastic liner, further enhances the efficiency.

The Classic Truckload also features CorroGuard, Great Dane’s spray-in-place thermoplastic elastomeric coating applied to suspensions and landing gear. It provides long-term protection from corrosion and, the company says, is “far superior to galvanizing options.”

The Composite dry van’s specs have been expanded to address the needs of specialty hauls, such as those in the beverage industry and others with frequent heavy floor loads. New options provide added protection and weight savings without sacrificing strength and durability, Mullininx said.

The trailer’s new heavy-duty bottom rail option features a 21-inch high, one-piece aluminum extrusion that replaces the standard 11-inch bottom rail and eliminates the need for a 6-inch integral steel scuffband. This taller bottom rail adds rigidity to the trailer, reducing sidewall bulging and damage to composite walls.