DALLAS, Tex. – Great Dane’s FREEDOM Flatbed was on display at the 2004 Great American Trucking Show.

Specifically designed for an in stock program at branch and dealer locations across the country, Great Dane’s new line of straight frame and drop deck platforms makes it easy to own the best flatbed on the road.

The combination steel/aluminum platform trailers offer competitive weight and price without sacrificing the strength and durability that Great Dane is known for. Choice standard features are found throughout, including some features that are exclusive to Great Dane.

FREEDOM flatbeds are designed to be easily modified at the branch or dealer with add-ons such as tool boxes, tire carriers, bulk heads, winches and straps. They feature an integral winch track, and modular construction makes them easy to repair.

At 102 inches wide, FREEDOM flatbeds are available in two popular spec’s: 12-inch cross member spacing for extra strength in forklift operations and 16-inch cross member spacing for heavy-load hauling where trailer weight must be kept at a minimum.

The 1.25-inch aluminum floor with four apitong nail strips adds versatility for load securement. Chain tie-downs are recessed in the floor to secure loads.

Double pipe spools and stake pockets on 24-inch centers are standard. Great Dane’s unique aluminum winch track includes 10 winches the full length of the roadside track so customers are not tied to proprietary components. Aluminum track can be one side, both sides or deleted from the order.

The FREEDOM offers a steel front end with reinforcements for rated bulkheads, a 48-inch coupler height and a 30-inch kingpin location. Reinforcing doubler plates in the high stress regions of the gooseneck and gussets in the suspension area increase durability and eliminate cracking.

The rear cross member is constructed of extruded aluminum to save weight and reduce maintenance costs. The five rear stake pockets are recessed within the rear cross member for impact protection.

Heavy-duty tubular rear corners have full-depth bumper blocks for additional protection against dock impact. Great Dane’s rear impact guard is made of carbon steel and is standard on all FREEDOM models, even when the tires are in a set-back position.

Hendrickson’s INTRAAX air-ride suspension with 121-inch axle centers is standard.

FREEDOM flatbeds are readily available at branch and dealer locations across the U.S., Canada and Mexico.

For more details, visit www.greatdanetrailers.com