replacement cost and streamlined operations. “One thing I looked for was a
torsion tube under the trailer frame that can take twisting stress from loading and unloading off the main beam,” says McCullough. The Red Rhino torsion tube, made of 4½- inch OD (outer diameter) pipe run- ning down the center of the trailer frame, is tied to the main beam at 3 points. A second fl atbed trailer feature
to look for is rectangular steel tub- ing used in the frame, bumper and taillights. The 4-sided structural shape of rectangular steel tubing can add strength without much weight, maximizing payload capac- ity. Yet most trailer manufacturers use channel iron or angle iron for side rails, cross-members and rear bumpers. “Rectangular steel tubing like
GoBob’s tends to disperse stress more evenly with its 4 sides than channel iron, where the trailer fl ex is concentrated on a 2-sided weld, if the manufacturer welds it at all,” says McCullough. “Unlike angle iron, which tends to rust and accu- mulate debris, rectangular tubing is stronger and stays cleaner.” Because the rear bumper is sus-
ceptible to impact from the loading tractor and rough ground, it has to be tough. Additionally, it should be positioned to protect taillights from being torn out, particularly in a dovetail confi guration where the lights sit closer to the ground. For added protection, Red Rhino
trailer bumpers use the same rect- angular steel tubing the frame is constructed from. The taillights, including wiring, are enclosed in frame material and protected by the bumper to deter the loader or rough ground from knocking them off. “Unless the loader aims for the
tscra.org
taillights, they’re just about impos- sible to tear up,” says McCullough. “In our low-slung dovetail confi gu- ration, our taillights have drug on rough ground without damage.” To reduce stress when loading
and unloading, a reinforced ramp is also important. This can transfer loading weight to the ground and keep additional fl exing off of the main beam and structure. Some ramps come standard
with adjustable, spring-assisted load equalizers, which can relieve stress on the trailer’s main beam and enable the loading of stand- alone trailers. This can streamline loading and unloading operations tremendously. Without load equal- izers, unequal equipment loading can stress the trailer’s main beams and even lift the rear end of the truck when the load is heavy. “Look for a reinforced ramp and
load equalizers,” says McCullough. “Without them, you get trailer fl ex from the load coming up the ramp. An unequalized load pushes the trailer down in back and lifts the front, with the weight pivoting on the axles, adding unnecessary stress and metal fatigue. “Since we have multiple drivers
and trailers, I sometimes need to load a trailer before I have a driver,” adds McCullough. “With the rein- forced ramp and load equalizers, I can leave a trailer loaded for the driver, which streamlines opera- tions. When he gets in, he just backs up, unhooks the old trailer, hooks up the new trailer and leaves. I don’t pay overtime for staff waiting for the driver to arrive, or to share a forklift. By pre-loading the trailers, we can save from an hour to half a day in staffi ng cost.” To learn about GoBob Pipe and
Steel products, visit www.gobob-
pipe.com or call 866-532-9123.
BULLS FOR SALE
16 Months Old
NEEL POLLED HEREFORDS
George E. Neel, Jr. P.O. Box 450029
Laredo, TX 78045-0029 Office: 956/723-6346 Home: 956/722-1904
June 2013 The Cattleman 71
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