LOUISVILLE, Ky. — After years of development and extensive field and lab testing, Great Dane Trailers launched its new MXP-120 all-aluminum flatbed at the Mid-America Trucking Show.

The trailer offers weight savings to maximize payload versatility.

Great Dane says the trailer’s all-aluminum construction eliminates the potential for corrosion found in steel and combination steel and aluminum models, meaning the MXP-120 can maintain a shiny, like-new image longer. Aluminum components have the added bonus of lowering costs due to the reduced maintenance required.

 The MXP-120 has two-piece bolted aluminum main beams, and like the popular GPL-the aluminum/steel combination platform-has extruded aluminum side rails, and an aluminum floor, rear assembly and crossmembers.

 Weight savings are inherent in this platform trailer. Particularly when equipped with aluminum wheels, the MXP-120 weighs about 1,000 lbs less than a comparable combo steel-aluminum unit.

 Tested at 60,000-lbs. concentrated in 4 feet and loads in excess of 120,000 lbs. uniformly distributed, the MXP-120 underwent as many as six types of evaluations to prove its strength and durability. Customer testing of prototypes was also conducted with very favorable results., the company says

 This platform trailer is offered in 48-ft and 53-ft by 103-inch wide options. Standard specifications include a 10-ft spread axle with air ride suspension, all L.E.D. lights, Grote’s

Long Life Light System, and full length built-in sliding winch tracks. Additional support options include 12-inch center crossmember spacing and a coil package. Steel and aluminum wheels, and wide-base single tire options are offered as well.