New trailer increases payload sliding extension creates fleet flexibility

KEVIN MAYHEW
THE NEED to accommodate the new Uni-City weighbridge in Bayhead Road has resulted in a trailer design that is making inroads both locally and abroad with orders for R30m secured in two years.
Assisting in the research and design of the retractable trailer by TOHF Trailers in New Germany has been the owner of Clairwood-based Freightliner Transport, Kevin Martin.
“Its design makes for a smoother ride and more importantly, spreads the load to evenly distribute weight on the road surface. With a sliding boogie, a six meter skeletal trailer increases payload from approx 22 tons to 26,5m on a tandem axle unit.
“Tri-axle units can only carry 25,5 tons due to the weighbridge formula,” he says.
The TOHF retractable is ideal for heavier 20ft containers as well. Because its sliding load extension means it can handle 20 and 40ft boxes, it provides the transporter with fleet flexibility to meet changing daily demands.
Freightliner has now increased its fleet with the purchase of a further seven air suspension trailers to improve transport conditions for sensitive loads.
Freightliner has 26 specialised trainers – 20 tri-axle/6 tandem slider – with 26 truck tractors. Trailers are all sliders to accommodate loading or offloading in the middle or at the rear of the trailer.