SDC offers operators certified trailer body structure 28 October 2010

SDC Trailers has completed structural testing on a curtainsider and boxvan trailer to EN12642XL, meaning that it can now offer certified strengthened body structures up to an internal height of 3.2m.

Testing was carried out by TUV-Nord over a three-day period at SDC's site in Mansfield, Nottinghamshire. Every SDC trailer built to EN12642XL will now have a TUV-Nord decal on the front and rear bulkhead, as well as a certificate showing the approval number and the trailer chassis number.

Although there are no plans for EN12642XL to become legislation in the UK or continental Europe, operators in, for example, the chemical and paper industries, are specifying trailers to the standard.

SDC says that there is a cost for the strengthened bodies, but suggests that customers will save time and money in avoided police checks throughout Europe.

Interestingly, as the tests were completed in the UK, SDC was able to have its trailers certified to the UK's higher internal height.

TUV-Nord carries out its tests by applying loads to the body structure using a series of steel frames attached to the trailer floor (see above). The frames are equipped with air bags, and pressure is applied equivalent to the maximum load for the side wall/curtains, and the front and rear walls.

The load is applied for five minutes and measurements taken before the pressure is released and measurements confirmed to check for deformation.

Author
Brian Tinham

Related Companies
SDC Trailers Ltd

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