The Tautliner stays firm at speed
Page 37
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
• An entirely new production range of curtain-sided semi-trailers, claimed to revolutionize the user-application of such units, has been introduced jointly by Highway Trailers (Great Britain) Ltd., Southampton, and Boalloy Ltd., of C ongleton.
Appropriately named the Tautliner, the new style of trailer has four-way tensioning of the side curtains to ensure that these remain free from billowing whatever the wind or the vehicle speed. Nylon or Terylene reinforced P.V.C. welded curtains are used, with easy-fold characteristics derived from the use of a minimum number of Boalloy nylon rollers which require no lubrication or maintenance.
A rotatable spool built into the front corner posts can be turned by hand-grip to coil in the curtain until it is taut, and there is a quick-action lock to prevent slackening. The spool also acts as an airtight seal which, combined with flexible vallances in the curtain tracks, makes for complete weather-proofing. To control the cargo, Shorfast webbing straps are arranged to slide freely along tubes welded between the vertical roof supports. The floor can also be angled to the centre so as to hold the load more securely.
The Tautliner's side curtains are retained within the rear corner posts, so double metal-faced plywood rear doors can be fitted if desired, or aluminium roller shutters or roller blinds. The Boalloy body is mounted on a Highway semi-trailer, with outriggers, pressed-channel side raves, cross-members and floor. Semior drawbar trailers are available to suit any payload and any gross train weight category.
The general marketing manager of Highway, Mr. Frank Saville, said this week that the Tautliner offered fleet operators a means of dispensing with timeconsuming roping and sheeting; only 3min were required per side for a complete opening and shutting of the side curtains. using the quick-action buckle tensioners which hook below the side raves. In the event of damage, the whole curtain assembly can be removed by the release of one bolt, while all curtains are interchangeable, side to side and trailer to trailer.
The roof supports are 5in. by 2in. hollow-section steel posts at approximately 8ft centres down the centre line of the body, welded to the centre channel at floor level and to adjacent roof framework. Attachment of the side curtain to the rear corner post is by means of 1+in.-diameter steel tube engaging in peg and socket retainers at top and bottom of the channel post.
The Tautliner is being shown for the first time at the Scottish Motor Show, an example being exhibited in the demonstration park by Graudus Motor Co. Ltd.
Midlands distribution
Also announced by Highway Trailers is the appointment of Charles Clark (Commercial Vehicles) Ltd., Hope Works, Alexandra SL, Wolverhampton, as Highway distributors for the whole of the West Midlands.
The company has established full maintenance and service facilities, offers 24hr recovery and is considering the introduction of a mobile service unit to repair artics at the roadside.
Charles Clark has recently been inviting operators to displays of Highway trailers, featuring especially the new 75 Fleet Special range. Included in the displays were the new Rubery Owen RO-TRAN ISO containers which are riveted and bolted throughout instead of being welded.