Great Dane adds two new features for Freedom XP flatbed trailers

Great Dane adds two new features for Freedom XP flatbed trailers

Great Dane now features the JOST AX150 Alumilight landing gear and a new sliding suspension option on its Freedom XP all-aluminum flatbed trailers.

great-dane-freedom-xpThe JOST AX150 Alumilight landing gear is an aluminum hybrid series built for a maximum static load rating of 160,000 lbs. and a rated lift capacity of 55,000 lbs. An all-aluminum extruded upper leg and high-strength low-alloy (HSLA) steel lower leg provide strength and weight savings.

The landing gear has silicone-sealed steel covers and a polyester-coated HSLA steel lower leg that provide protection from harsh road conditions and chemicals for added corrosion resistance and durability. The AX150 Alumilight series includes a 10-year low-maintenance warranty.

“We are continually working to enhance the features and capabilities of our products by adopting new technologies and working with suppliers to improve product features,” said Roger Roach, director of Freedom product engineering.

Great Dane’s new rear axle sliding, front axle fixed suspension option is now available on the 53-ft. Freedom XP flatbed. The sliding suspension can be moved from the widespread position to close the tandem distance and be California legal. The distance from the king pin to the center line of the rear axle can be 480 in. in the forward position, 492 in. in the middle position or 540 in. in the rear position. The axle separation distance can be 61, 73 or 121 in.

“Our focus on providing our customers with safe and efficient equipment drives our continuous design improvements,” said Chris Hammond, executive vice president of sales. “One example of this can be found in our reinforced slider pin holes, which do not require the use of fabricated steel channels or angles like many of our competitors’ products. We worked with our suspension supplier during the early design phase to create a unique beam design that functions with commercially available flatbed bogies without the need for heavy steel adapters. Instead, we use galvanized steel wear pads and pin collars.”

You May Also Like

Class 8 orders strong in February

Even when seasonally adjusted, ACT says preliminary order numbers for February are up 5% over January.

ACT-Class-8-Feb-truck-orders

According to the latest numbers from ACT Research, preliminary North America Class 8 net orders were 27,700 units, up 600 units from January and 16% from a year ago. With the fourth-largest seasonal factor of the year at 8%, seasonal adjustment reduces February’s Class 8 intake to 25,600 units, up 5% from January.

“Weak freight and carrier profitability fundamentals, and large carriers guiding to lower capex in 2024, would imply pressure in U.S. tractor, the North American Class 8 market’s largest segment,” said Kenny Vieth, ACT’s president and senior analyst. “While we do not yet have the underlying detail for February order volumes, Class 8 demand continuing at high levels again this month suggests that U.S. buyers continue as strong market participants.”

Kenworth delivers 15-liter natural gas-powered truck to UPS

The truck is equipped with the Cummins X15N, which Kenworth says will meet CARB and EPA Requirements for both 2024 and 2027.

Kenworth-delivers-CNG-truck-to-UPS
ACT Research: 2024 could see trucking recovery

Despite trucking demand remaining weak, ACT Research says imports and international data indicate positive trends in 2024.

ACT-for-hire-index-Jan-24
Navistar progressing toward autonomous hub-to-hub transport

Autonomous truck testing is underway, and the company expects customer pilots to be delivered later this year.

Navistar-Autonomous-partnership-Plus-international-truck
FTR Trucking Conditions Index falls in December

FTR says the drop was mostly due to higher capital cost and a deterioration in freight rates, a trend that could stretch into 2024.

FTR-TCI-december-2023

Other Posts

Fullbay: Repair shop sales and labor rates rose in 2023

A new report shows that counter sales and labor rates rose significantly in 2023 from the previous year.

Fullbay-TMC
Great Dane highlights sustainability, trailer technology at TMC

Electric trailer technologies, advanced insulation, recyclable materials and telematics were on display.

Great-Dane-sustainability-TMC-1400
ACT Research: Trailer orders dip as cancellations climb

Preliminary data for net trailer orders in January seems to follow a continued softening trend, according to ACT Research.

ACT-Research-Trailer-Net-Orders-down-Cancellations-up-Jan-2024
ACT Research: Used Class 8 sales start 2024 strong

The preliminary numbers for January show used Class 8 trucks are selling well compared to both last month, and last year.

ACT-Used-Class-8-Retail-Summary-January-2024-Prelim