In keeping with the systems approach, Hendrickson decided to create a new lightweight slider box optimized for an air-suspension system. When we finished our redesign and analysis, we had reduced weight and added usable space under the trailer, giving customers more value. We simplified welding, giving us tower manufacturing costs. By combining the analysis with testing, we hoped that it would allow us to achieve project goals in a shorter development cycle. This is significant since a trailer fleet will pay between one and four dollars premium per pound of weight savings.
Savings add up quickly when fully loaded mileage is tens of thousands of miles a year.
Reduced manufacturing costs due to optimized welding. Extended service life based on baseline testing of currently available slider box designs. The resulting K2 slider box is a fabricated and welded steel assembly weighing approximately 1,050 pounds. The previous design was a relatively simple structure composed of two side rails, six lateral cross-braces, and brackets for mounting axles, springs and other suspension components. The side rails are pin-locked to matching rails on the underside of the trailer.