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Following the Continental route

25th August 2005, Page 61
25th August 2005
Page 61
Page 61, 25th August 2005 — Following the Continental route
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Trailer operators are a fairly traditional bunch; most of them prefer detachable, adjustable or sliding side posts, especially with the taller curtainsiders, and where folding roofs are involved.

Modern post-less designs have overcome past problems of excessive flexing in over-stressed cant rails, roller chatter or curtain straps working loose. Nonetheless, when it comes to securing loads, most standard trailers in the UK attach tie-down straps or meshing to roof rails and side raves.

However, the effects of an internal load shift can have dire consequences and any sceptics might care to check out the cab of Nigel Days Scania artic, which was pierced by a steel girder sliding forward when he stopped (CM4 August).

Although all cargo has to be secure on a vehicle, fitting new trailers with permanent lashdown isn't a legal requirement in the UK, yet.

Continentals take a different view though, especially in Germany, where loads in trailers such as curtainsiders have lobe secured to lashing rings in the floor.

And that's where Schmitz Cargobull UK's sales director Ron Camf ield believes its Freepost design will appeal. in the roof its vital aspects are pre-stressed cant rails, extra cross bracing and spring tensioning on the curtain roller attachments, sturdy tie-down rings at deck level and below, a galvanised chassis.

If you do need extra security, the usual roof-mounted load restraints can be fitted.

The design underwent a year's R&D, including MIRA trials, before being offered to haulers in May.

Schmitz Cargobult reckons that the postless sector is worth somewhere between 25% and 30% of all the new curtainsiders that are sold and operated within the UK, and Camfield is confident that the Freepost will be taking a good share of these orders.

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