York's Freepost
Page 18
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
YORK TRAILER has put an old idea into practice with the launch of its post-less curtainsider semi-trailer, Freepost.
To strengthen the roof section York fits a steel or alloy patented four-section central spine which extends the full length of the trailer.
A positive camber of approximately 127mm (5in) prevents the roof sagging when a rooffixing load restraint system such as York's Stronghold is used.
The lower leading edge on the front bulkhead is also fitted with additional bracing where it meets the trailer chassis main rails for extra stiffness — particularly under full braking loads.
Despite the absence of internal support posts, York has retained a full 12.2m (40ft) wide side loading aperture.
By using a standard 135mm (5.3in) deep steel cant rail, a Freepost curtainsider has a side loading height of 2.51m (8ft 3in). Loading height directly beneath the central spine, which extends below the cant rail into the cargo area by around 215mm (8.5in), is reduced to 2.3m (7ft 7in), When rear doors are specified, the lower edge of the central spine is upswept at the rear to allow maximum use of the loading aperture.
The Freepost curtainsider body has a conventional construction including standard support posts, steel cant rails and cross-members and a 19 gauge aluminium roof skin. An all-aluminium version can be specified.
York claims a tandem axle Freepost curtainsider body adds around 250kg (4.92cwt) to the 5,950kg kerbweight of a standard York tandem axle curtainsider semi-trailer with a single centre post.