Utility Trailer Manufacturing Company has announced that the Trident composite steel shell brake drum from Accuride is now standard on all Utility models.
The Trident brake drums reduce weight by 24 pounds per wheel end, totaling 96 pounds for a dual-axle trailer, making them lighter than standard cast iron drums, enabling fleets to maximize payloads and lower costs, Utility said.
Utility made the Trident drum standard on all its flatbed models in 2020. Five years later, Utility is providing reefer and dry van customers the same standard weight savings, as all 2026 model Utility reefers, dry vans and flatbeds will now come with the Trident as a base specification.
"Our continuous testing programs, both in the field and in the lab, have proven the Trident to be the highest quality drums on the market," said Mark Glasgow, Utility's chief of sales. "It comes as no surprise that the Trident drum has been an overwhelming success on our flatbeds, and as an option on our reefers and dry vans. While air disc brakes are the gold standard when it comes to trailer braking, steel shell drums, and specifically the Trident drum, provide an excellent alternative without the added cost."
"We are very excited to support all of Utility's premium braking requirements across all their models,” added Scott Neill, trailer and aftermarket sales VP for Accuride. “Utility has been an industry leader for 110 years. By including Trident drum as standard equipment on all models, they continue to demonstrate their commitment to advanced braking systems and other safety features in their trailers.”
