The all-new Diamondback trailer — designed and built in Ontario — promises to bring more sustainability, efficiency and versatility to grain hauling.

It was purpose-built to help truckers keep their trailers working year-round, alternating between various goods, from frac sand to ground glass, when grain demand dries up.

This is according to Derek Dutton, president of Specialized Trailers International, who spoke to James Menzies about the trailer and its design.

He said that efficiency starts with the trailer’s smooth, aerodynamic shape.

The curved front and side walls allow wind to roll around the sides of the body, reducing drag and improving performance.

While the fuel efficiency factor has not yet been officially validated, the drivers who’ve tested the prototype say they can feel the difference, as the trailer moves with less resistance.

But aerodynamics is just part of the story.

The Diamondback is built entirely from lightweight aluminum — right down to the landing gear. That means a higher payload capacity, reduced fuel consumption, and a longer service life.

While traditional steel trailers often rust out within 10 to 15 years, this one is engineered to last about 25 years without the corrosion issues, Dutton told trucknews.com.

There is place for sustainability and efficiency inside the trailer, too.

The sloped, roll-formed Super-B trailer’s interior is designed to let grain and other materials flow out cleanly, with less residue.

That not only speeds unloading but also improves safety – drivers no longer need to climb inside to assist with emptying.

The Diamondback also comes equipped with air-operated gate openers.

These replace the slow, physical crank handles, improving the time spent unloading the trailers.

And while Dutton suggested the air-operated gates are more reliable than electric ones, even if air systems do fail, there is a manual override that ensures drivers can always keep moving.

He added that the idea for this trailer was born a year ago in response to customer demands for a more versatile trailer option.

After partnering up with Raglan Industries, the prototype was showcased all around Ontario over the past six months to collect feedback from operators.

Their suggestions, such as where grab handles and steps should be placed, were later incorporated into the commercially available design.

Go to trucknews.com for more details.