LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Great Dane has expanded the specs on its Composite dry freight van to address the needs of specialty hauls, such as those in the beverage industry and others with frequent heavy floor loads.

This new Heavy-Duty Bottom Rail (HBR) lightweight model includes new options that provide added protection and weight savings without sacrificing strength and durability, the company claims.

The new HBR option has a 21-inch high, one-piece aluminum extrusion that replaces the standard 11-inch bottom rail and eliminates the need for a 6-inch integral steel scuffband. This taller bottom rail adds rigidity to the trailer, reducing sidewall bulging and damage to composite walls. An added bonus is the ease of repair this design offers. Should the bottom rail be damaged, it can be repaired more easily than sidewall panels.

The Composite HBR is also available in a lightweight package option designed specifically for heavy floor loaded operations that also require maximum gross payloads. This spec’s weight-saving features include a composite front wall, aluminum crossmembers, and lightweight side wall panels. For added durability, this lightweight package is available with a heavy-duty 24,000 pound rated floor.

The reduced maintenance afforded by The Composite HBR’s durability is further enhanced with the addition of CorroGuard with Technology by GatorHyde, Great Dane’s exclusive spray-in-place thermoplastic elastomeric coating applied to suspensions and landing gear that provides complete coverage for long-term protection from road abrasion and corrosion.