Aluminum Extrusion In Trailer And Truck Trailer

Having been in this business for some time now, we have witnessed the evolution of trailer designs and applications. Reviewing the different types available can help you better understand the kind of aluminum extrusions you need.

Van Trailer

This is the most common type of trailer type on the roads. It is typically about 50 feet long and carries items that people use daily. Boxlike and enclosed, these trailers are popular with leading franchises. Since they are designed to keep the items inside safe, their design must take into account the strength and versatility of the construction material. That’s why many van trailer bodies and the accompanying safety accessories are made from aluminum extrusions.

Tanker Trailer

The aluminum tank trailer or bulk handler is larger and typically comprises of the body, axle, frames, suspension system, safety devices, electrical systems and other parts. Some trucks will come with a custom chassis that houses dangerous items. This calls for side guardrails, toolboxes, gas tank enclosures, fenders, and many other safety accessories. Most of these accessories are built from aluminum extrusions and aluminum panels.

The 6000 series aluminum alloys, particularly 6061, are common for the extrusions used in various tank trailer parts.  The 5000 series grade is also extensively used.

This market segment is extremely weight-sensitive, so the lightweight feature of aluminum extrusions is highly rated here. These extrusions feature prominently in cross members, sills, and frames (front and rear).

Flatbed Trailer

Why would flatbed trailer designs prefer aluminum alloy extrusions over other materials? The principle idea is to optimize the payload. It is common to find some of these trailers 100% built from aluminum alloy. Some will combine aluminum extrusions with steel depending on the desired payload.

Flatbed trailers carry all manner of goods, from sheet metal to vehicles. Aluminum alloy extrusions make great choices for making these trailers, especially the floors, for the following reasons:

• Easy to integrate anti-slip features into the design
• Production of long straight extrusions is possible
• Combines stiffness with durability
• Corrosion-resistant surface
• Payloads are higher because the material is lightweight

Grain Trailer

Grain trailers are also sometimes called dumpers. They feature a hydraulic system that helps offload grains at the back. Grain trailers are synonymous with cross members made from aluminum extrusions. These extrusions tend to be U-shaped, which is necessary for spreading out the weight. Such a design prevents the formation of stress points that would render the trailer prone to failure.

Other types of trailers

Other options include utility trailers, car haulers, equipment trailers, etc.

Yield strength and tensile strength are crucial for a truck trailer. Weighing all the performance factors for different segments of a truck trailer, one alloy is the most suitable – Grade 6061-T6 aluminum alloy. Some of its biggest attributes are high tensile strength, an attractive finish, and unmatched corrosion resistance.

Truck trailer builders use it for structural components, including the frame. Fabricators prefer this material because it is easy to work on using the common techniques of welding and machining. These properties make the fabrication process relatively affordable.

6061T6 is also popular for its durability, which emanates from the fact that it is tough.

When it comes to considering aluminum extrusion for truck trailer decking and flooring, the following factors come into play:

• Type of load on the trailer
• Loading and unloading cycles
• Temperature variations and other environmental factors

The best truck trailer decking and flooring should score highly on corrosion resistance, durability, slip resistance, and chemical resistance. The type of trailer can also influence your choice of decking and flooring.

Custom interlocking aluminum decking and flooring for trailers are ideal if the main concerns are fuel economy, corrosion resistance, and rust resistance.

Door

Trailer doors are notable areas where aluminum extrusions are used. Due to the nature of the work and exposure to the elements, trailer doors need to have several attributes. For instance, they should be corrosion-free so that the wet weather doesn’t damage them. While the door should be firm to handle the weights and impacts, it should also be thin and lightweight.

As for the geometry of the door, versatility is always preferable because customer requirements can differ immensely. The material should also be capable of overcoming many cycles. In short, durability and reliability are the two most important elements of a truck trailer door. There is no better material to offer such characteristics than aluminum alloy extrusions.

Ramp

When it’s time to load a heavy piece of load on a truck trailer, a ramp may be used. Knowing the best material for designing the ramp can make a big impact on the effectiveness of loading. Aluminum extrusions offer manufacturing options for a variety of ramp designs. The corrosion resistance, strength, and workability of aluminum alloys make the material ideal for ramp manufacture.

Lifts/Platform

Longevity and stiffness are unavoidable elements for lifts and ramps used in truck trailers. These parts handle varied weights regularly so they should be sturdy enough. Considering the challenges of weather elements, the platform should also have the relevant protective characteristics. Corrosion resistance is always a priority.

Aluminum extrusions for truck trailers bring significant value to your business by integrating all these characteristics. They make it easy to equip the load surfaces with anti-slip features. The surface finish is good for both durability and aesthetics.

Take care of the low-weight requirements with these aluminum extrusions. They can be designed to have hollow firm profiles that can ensure that no unnecessary weight is added to the trailer.

The length, thickness, chemical composition, and physical properties of rails used in truck trailers should meet specific conditions. Aluminum extrusions are your best bet for the quality, durability, and reliability of truck trailer rails.

Common types of rails built using aluminum extrusions are:

• Frame rail
• Base rail/High base rail
• Nose rail
• Roof rail
• Rub rails
• Front top rail
• Front bottom rail
• Bottom side rail

The designs of these rails vary significantly. Because aluminum extrusions are versatile, they are also incorporated into these rails.

The advantages of aluminum extrusions in deliveries and transportation over the decades cannot be overstated.

Since the aluminum extrusions used in truck trailers are significantly lighter than the conventional option (steel), trailers can now carry more loads in fewer trips. That translates to less costs for the business in terms of maintenance and man hours.

With the gas prices so unbearable, the use of aluminum extrusions is a welcome solution. A lightweight truck trailer consumes less fuel. Less consumption of fuel also means less environmental pollution from the aluminum extrusion-made trailer.

The corrosion resistance of aluminum extrusions is worth the investment. The trailer doesn’t deteriorate with time as it would if it were built from a less resistant metal such as steel.

Considering such advantages of aluminum extrusions, it is easy to see why truck trailers made from aluminum extrusions often have high resale value.  If a trade-in comes for your truck trailer, you are likely to get something extra for the trailer on top of the price of the truck.

You want to choose the most experienced and reliable manufacturer of large aluminum extrusions. Fonnov Aluminum is the best fit for all your aluminum extrusion needs.

Started several decades ago, Fonnov Aluminum is renowned for producing aluminum alloy extrusions that serve a wide range of industries. The widespread use of our extrusions within the transportation sector is well reviewed. We have built a big and solid clientele base across the world.

Our aluminum extrusions for truck trailers provide designers with many benefits. They ensure that the truck trailer parts are not only durable but also usable and aesthetically satisfying. All this comes at a fair cost.

If you are interested in our aluminum extrusion products or more information on how they suit your project, don’t hesitate to Contact Us.

Alloy 6000 series(6061 and 6082) is the most common. When selecting aluminum alloys, we consider the strength and durability as well as other qualities like lightness. The  mentioned alloy bears the quality as well as others that make it the best for the job.

The extrusion process also plays an important supporting role in the development process. While these qualities borne by 6000 series(6061 and 6082), extruded profile of them improve them significantly.