Lighter and lower Fruehauf • Trailer maker Crane Fruehauf is
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examining ways of offering more load volume on its semi-trailers—without compromising structural strength and keeping to R22.5in wheels.
The move is in response to the growing interest in jumbo trailers. CF sales support manager Angus Spooner says that among the options being considered are thinner necks, with thicker flanges which could reduce the neck profile from the 185mm to 120mm including the rubbing plate.
An even thinner neck of around 75mm is possible, says Spooner, but the weight penalty to retain structural rigidity would be in the region of 600kg.
More importantly, Spooner predicts that trailer deck heights can be lowered to the current fifth-wheel height of 1,220mm using conventional air suspensions and with 22.5in tractor wheels, although they will need to be fitted with the latest 60 Series low-profile tyres.
Other options include reducing the roof thickness on curtainsiders from 150mm to 80mm, but this will demand extra pillars.
Crane Fruehauf is now offering a "lightweight specification" on all its trailer models, featuring alloy crossmembers and side raves.
Air suspension is being fitted to all models as standard.
Operators asking for allalloy chassis will be offered the Benalu chassis, which is produced by Crane Fruehauf's fellow SESR group member Fruehauf France.