A new flatbed trailer from Antares Equipment features a fixed wide-spread air suspension. The 48-ft. trailer is the first from Antares with such a configuration.
“We’re confident that the specialty vocations like steel- and chicken-hauling will appreciate the detailed and integrated quality designed into this new trailer model,” said Derrick Dilts, partner-operations, Antares. “Our goal is to supply to North American customers a lightweight trailer with the lowest possible total cost of ownership and outfitted with smart and long life design elements and dependable components.”
The trailer is outfitted with steel wheels and weighs 9,400 lbs. with a 54,000 lb. coil package and an 80,000 lb. gross vehicle weight rating. Optional aluminum wheels enable a 300 lb. weight reduction. For protection, it is hot-dip galvanized, from the complete beams, front and rear skirts, bumper assemblies, corner assemblies, suspension cross-members, and to the suspension hangers. The floor sills, flooring, and side-rails are tensile strength (6) aluminum for superior corrosion protection.
According to the company, the trailer does not require welding or painting should a replacement part be necessary. For example, the entire kingpin nest assembly can be removed in the field by removing 16 bolts, and the same with the front and rear skirts, corner assemblies, and bumpers. The trailer maker offers bolt-on suspension hangers.
“Dropping an axle has never been easier with this new unit,” said Bobby Horton, PE, Antares engineering partner. “Replacing a hanger is easily accomplished. The dry-bulk and liquids markets have been doing this, and it’s a design transfer from that market. It fits our mantra of easily serviceable/easily replaceable, so it’s right to offer it to our customers.”
All I-beams are punched in order that harness and air lines run through the I-beams (not over or under) for maximum protection – helping prevent damage from pinching or piercing on the top side where it meets the floor.
