Trailer Focus: Dry Vans

By CCJ Staff

Published March 1, 2012

Today’s dry vans are stronger than those of the past while often being lighter. Structural integrity has been improved due to more accurate methods in determining where stress loads are the highest, thanks primarily to better design tools that can analyze the properties of the various materials used in the construction process. By replacing heavier components with equally strong, lighter-weight materials and adding extra strength in areas that need beefing up, designers have been able to build significantly better trailers to carry specific loads without fatiguing certain design elements.

Manufacturers also have reduced trailer weight by employing lighter, higher-strength materials in practically every area of the trailer, including the use of composite floors, which also increase load capacity. Another trend is composite panels used as side, front and rear door materials, which allow maximum interior width and length, and a smooth snag-free interior. Thinwall designs continue to gain popularity because they provide added interior width and cube capacity, which means more freight per trailer and better margins for fleets. Many fleets also spec anti-snag roof bows because they help prevent damage to cargo as it’s being loaded.

As durability and maintenance have become major issues for fleets, trailer manufacturers have moved away from, or engineered alternatives to, traditional plywood liners.

GREAT DANE | Champion CL

Length: 53 ft.

Width: 102.36 in.

Height: 13.6 ft.

Sides: 1.13-in. steel hat section uprights on 12-in. and 24-in. centers;

logistic post optional; 0.05-in. prepainted white flat or corrugated aluminum side sheets

Roof: 0.04-in. aluminum sheet with bows on 24-in. centers

Rear doors: 0.5-in. composite swing; prepainted white cover sheets with Galvalume inner lining; stainless-steel cover sheets (optional)

Floor: 1.38-in. laminated hardwood

Crossmember: Front – steel hat type for tire protection between support gear and coupler; bay and side areas – 4-in.-deep steel I-beams on 12-in. centers

Suspension: Holland Light Slide LS4 sliding air ride with 49-in. axle spacing; spindle axle

Anti-lock brakes: Meritor WABCO 2S/1M Easy Stop

Brakes: 16.5-in. x 7-in. drums with S-cam brakes

Scuff band: 12-in. high-roll formed steel, full length

Interior options: Overlaid or recessed track; various scuff bands; aluminum cargo floors; interior and ceiling linings

Exterior options: Multiple side-door options and locations; multiple entry/egress options; large- and small-tire drops available

GREAT DANE | Champion CP

Length: 53 ft.

Width: 102.36 in.

Height: 13.6 ft.

Sides: Logistic uprights on 48-in. centers

Roof: 0.04-in. aluminum sheet with bows on 24-in. centers

Rear doors: 0.5-in. composite swing; dual-seal gaskets; white galvanized steel cover sheet

Floor: 1.38-in. laminated hardwood

Crossmember: Front – steel hat type for tire protection between support gear and coupler; bay and side areas – 4-in.-deep steel I-beams on 12-in. centers

Suspension: Holland Light Slide LS4 sliding air ride with 49-in. axle spacing; spindle axle

Anti-lock brakes: Meritor WABCO 2S/1M Easy Stop

Brakes: 16.5-in. x 7-in. drums with S-cam brakes

Scuff band: Two rows – first row, 6-in. extruded aluminum integrated with bottom rail; second row, 7-in. galvanized 18-gauge steel

Interior options:

Overlaid track;

various scuff bands;

aluminum cargo

floors; interior and

ceiling linings

GREAT DANE | Champion SE

Length: 53 ft.