With plate trailers having earned their place as the industry standard, Vanguard Trailers is about to launch its premium VXP composite-plate dry van. Previewed at the Mid-America show, the VXP features composite sidewalls – a foamed plastic core sandwiched between two galvanized steel cover sheets – for improved strength and durability. Composite plates are said to be more structurally rigid than plywood walls, and more resistant to damage while keeping maintenance costs to a minimum. Each plate is treated with a rust-resistant primer coat and sealed in a baked-on polyester finish coat for longer life. If
damaged, the composite panels may be removed and replaced without affecting adjacent panels. No special shop tools are required. The composite side panels carry a 10-year warranty.

The VXP’s composite plates are attached to unique steel posts with rounded rivet heads for a smooth, snag-free interior sidewall. These inside posts on 48-in.
centers feature vertical logistic slots for added flexibility in loading. The front wall features five-post construction and the front top-rail is one-piece extruded
aluminum. Lighting is California- and Canada-legal Truck-Lite LED in a split harness.

Production of the new VXP trailer is set to begin in July at Vanguard’s Monon, Ind. manufacturing facilities, alongside the VIP 4000 freight van and the MaxCube
freight van.