RTS TRAILER SYSTEMS
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RTS Trailer Systems is a business element of Cheltenham-based NIL Douglas Equipment. For this review it produced one of its latest trailers, recently delivered to Spicers of Cambridge.
The 12.2m unit is typical of RTS's build system, with the company's own chassis and electro-hydraulic lifting deck system surrounded by bodywork from one of several bodybuilders.
Cross-members on the steel fabricated main beams carry the four upright guide channels containing the hydraulic lift cylinders; spherical bearings inside the mechanism allow for any undue twisting.
Each pillar has pneumatic locking pins for safety—a hand pump enables them to be retracted if trailer air pressure is low.
The hydraulic power pack is fitted under the step area; the battery pack is mounted over the air/electric couplings bracket.
With 8.0-tonne, air-sprung tandem RO-R axles, and running on 215/75 R17.5 tyres, the outfit is plated at 32.5 tonnes gross and tares out at about 8.0 tonnes Its 8.41m alloy moving deck (rated at 16 tonnes lowered/10 tonnes raised) fits between neck step and tail end, rising to 1.86m above its main deck with adequate clearance for the shuttered closure.
Pallets or roll cages on the platform are contained by front gates. side and rear flaps. The floor tilts slightly to assist unloading.
Both floors have Lamidec covering with service hatches over the axles.
Using aluminium panelling saves up to 1.5 tonnes over similar GRP sections, says RTS: the dry freight bodywork is an Aluvan-type structure. The plywood lining has a captive load tracking attached and there is extensive lighting inside with a timer to stop excessive battery drain.
Built to Spicers' specification, the lift controls are set at dock height inside the 1.9mhigh entrance to suit its dedicated loading arrangements, but RTS offers a wide range of additional options.