Dry Vans

CCJ’s annual three-part guide to trailer specifications begins this month with a look at select dry vans from selected leading suppliers.

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.
Look for specs of selected refrigerated models in May and flatbeds in July.

CLASSIC DRY VAN
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: 0.40-in. aluminum sheet with bows on 24-in. centers
Rear doors: 0.50-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: Hendrickson HKANT 40 sliding air ride with 49-in. axle spacing; spindle axle
Anti-lock brakes: Meritor WABCO 2S-1M
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

HT HY-CUBE
Length: 53 ft.
Width: 102.36 in.
Height: 13 ft. 6 in.
Sides: 0.5-in. -thick prepainted white aluminum
Roof: One-piece 0.40-in. -thick full-width aluminum sheet, tension leveled prior to installation
Rear frame: Hot-dipped 0.375-in. -thick galvanized steel construction with low-profile header, tube-shaped posts; forged steel angle iron in top corners for added rack resistance; lights recessed in rear sill with heavy-duty protection bars
Crossmember: 4-in.-deep hot-rolled steel I-beam; 80,000-psi yield strength, located on 12-in. centers; hat-shaped crossmember ahead of landing gear; rear 4 ft. of trailer has crossmembers located on 8-in. centers
Suspension: Hutchens H9700 with H9811 Slider subframe with four locking pins
Anti-lock brakes: Two-sensor/one-modulator valve (2S/1M) system, PLC4Trucks-compatible system
Brakes: Non-asbestos lining, 16.5-in. x 7-in. quick-change type; S cam-operated automatic slack adjuster
Lining: 0.235-in. -thick HDPE lining installed full height between uprights with no fasteners; side lining hooks into place for easy replacement; exterior grade 0.5-in. plywood installed full height over front wall