Trailer manufacturer Schmitz Cargobull has introduced a number of new features to its popular Freepost curtainsider trailer. With no pillars to locate, Freepost trailers offer clear side access along the full length of the trailer and the new enhanced models have been designed to be even more user friendly than the original.
Our objectives in developing the new Freepost curtainsider where to improve on the everyday functionality of the original design, explains David Pressley, Schmitz Cargobulls Product Manager (UK). We also challenged our engineering team to come up with a design that is easier to manufacture and allows consistently high build quality to be achieved.
The result is a new trailer body design, developed and built in the UK for the UK market.
The new Freepost features a totally new roof design. The roof is constructed from thin gauge galvanized steel sheets in place of the aluminium sheeting that has traditionally been used. The new steel roof has a number of significant advantages over its aluminium predecessor. For example, it is stronger, lighter easier to manufacture as well as being easier to repair in the event of a mishap.
A new front bulkhead with galvanized steel corner posts and a new integral kick strip from the chassis front member has also been introduced. The new bulkhead not only adds strength to the overall design but improves attachment to the chassis.
Schmitz Cargobulls design team also focused on the cant rails and the horizontal bracing bars. These have been reconfigured and are now designed to flex and move which means that the roof structure is flexible, yet sufficiently rigid to cope with the demands of the most demanding loads.
To provide extra rigidity, the new Freeposts corner posts have also been redesigned and now feature a deeper 60mm cross section to allow access for the rear curtain pole. Not only does the deeper section provide additional strength, it also creates extra space in the posts which allows better curtain wrap on the rear curtain poles. In short, more space makes it easier to install and stow the curtain.
When it comes to the rear of the trailer, the new Freepost now incorporates Schmitz Cargobulls popular mono hinge rear door design. Successfully used on other products in the Schmitz Cargobull range namely the companys MEGA series of high capacity curtainsiders and the box van FP 25 dry freight trailers the mono hinge design allows for a greater contact area within the rear frame to bring an improved rear door seal. Featuring double lock rods, the mono hinge doors are also easy to repair should the trailer be involved in an accident.
Further innovations include: new load restraint positions (offering centre line as well as 500 and 180mm inboard options); a new curtain design which suits the new shape of the Freepost and allows curtains to be opened and closed with the optimum efficiency; and curtain poles that can be stowed easily when not in use.
David Pressley comments: We feel that the new Freepost curtainsider raises the bar in trailer design and that it will prove an extremely popular model among UK hauliers.
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