ORLANDO, Florida—East Manufacturing, manufacturer of aluminum flatbed, drop deck, dump, and refuse trailers as well as steel dump trailers and aluminum truck bodies, announced the launch of a new round bottom trailer, the Horizon, during American Trucking Associations’ Technology & Maintenance Council 2022 Annual Meeting & Transportation Technology Exhibition.
The Horizon round bottom trailer was designed with the needs of aggregate, sand and gravel, and agriculture loads in mind, the company stated.
“The design was customer driven,” East Manufacturing’s spokesperson announced. “We have a similar product that we’ve had on the market for several years now, called the Hybrid Frameless, which uses a different wall technology. But it also adds weight to the trailer. The demand for a lightweight trailer led to this design.”
The Horizon maximizes payload by incorporating lighter weight components while still delivering strength and durability. The new round bottom design gives the trailer a lower center of gravity, providing greater dump stability and better cornering for more operational peace of mind. The round-bottom shape allows it to empty cleaner and faster than traditional square bottom trailers. Horizon has a greater payload capacity when compared to a traditional half-round trailer, the company said.
Like all East frameless dump trailers, the Horizon round bottom uses only premium aluminum alloys for flooring and sidewall material for long life and durability.
“Our premium grade aluminum floors are built with up to 33% more yield strength than industry standards,” East Manufacturing stated.
The Horizon’s base weight is 9,860 lbs. without options such as a liner or tarp system, which is lighter when compared to the East Hybrid dump trailer. It is 102” wide and is available in lengths up to 40’ long. For weight-conscience operations, its sidewall heights include 52”, 56”, or 60” for 43.4-, 46.8-, and 51-cubic-yard capacity, respectively.
The aerodynamic bulkhead aids air flow to help improve fuel efficiency while its large radius bracing helps to distribute loads. The external doghouse connects to an under-support system of U-shaped channels fastened and gusseted at critical torsion points. Stress is transmitted to neutral areas of the sidewalls, virtually eliminating stress cracks.
“The externally bonded hoist is easier to grease and maintain fittings as well as hydraulic hoses,” East Manufacturing said.
A lightweight/long-life upper coupler has a replaceable stainless steel saddle receiver assembly bolted into a lightweight aluminum sub-structure for reduced tare weight and maximum durability. While the aerodynamic fenders protect the trailer from road debris and provide a finished look.
“Because it is a frameless trailer, it won’t work with leaf suspensions,” the company said. “Right now, it is only available with select Hendrickson air ride suspensions.” Though, East acknowledged that this is subject to evolve further into the production process.
“We are shooting for fourth quarter of this year for full production on the trailer,” the company concluded. “Probably when we start production, we will start at one to two a week… On this particular trailer, we will be building it on its own dedicated line.”
East Manufacturing emphasized that the Horizon round bottom trailer delivers the advantages of lightweight, strength, durability—and good looks.
