A PARADE of smooth-side dump trailers drew a crowd at this year's Mid-America Trucking Show March 20-22 in Louisville KY.
The trailers feature hollow-core extruded aluminum construction which provides smooth walls inside and out, increased cube, light weight, and reduced aerodynamic drag, the manufacturers say.
Titan Trailers of Canada claims to have been the first North American manufacturer to produce such a design. The Titan Thinwall uses horizontal extruded hollow-core panels throughout the body. The sides, front end, and tailgate all use 1½" extrusions that are smooth inside and out. The floor uses extrusions that are 2½" thick.
One unusual feature is the width of the extrusions — 24" rather than the usual 12" or less. Another novelty is the radius of the nose — obtained by sending the hollow-core extrusions through pyramid rolls.
The result is a body with smooth, flowing lines for reduced air drag. Titan says the savings in fuel bills could be as much as 15%. The sidewall is also smooth on the inside, creating up to 10% more cubic capacity compared with post-and-panel construction. The Titan Thinwall has an inside dimension of 98½", enough for two pallets to be placed side by side.
The all-extruded trailer uses a 16"-deep extruded I-beam for the main frame. Stainless steel liners prevent corrosion between the frame and suspension members. Titan Trailers Inc, 1129 Highway #3, Delphi, Ontario N4B2W6.