MaxiTRANS unveils new Maxi-CUBE Classic

Maxi-CUBE, one of several trailer brands under the MaxiTRANS umbrella, has launched its new Maxi-CUBE Classic refrigerated van, and says the next generation of this popular trailer brings with it many upgrades and enhancements.

Previewed at the 2017 Brisbane Truck Show last May, the reefer is said to have an optimized tare weight and a leading K-value thanks to a number of thermal efficiency upgrades.

Better insulation
"Through the use of composite material and improvements in modern manufacturing techniques, we have been able to further optimise the way we build the trailer, allowing us to increase the amount of insulation, while also reducing the trailer's tare weight," says Kevin Manfield, General Manager, Products and Markets at MaxiTRANS.

"We've been able to reduce the tare weight by up to 250kg on a standard 22-pallet reefer, providing better payload and improved fuel efficiency, further reducing the whole-of-life cost of the trailer.

"The Classic employs Maxi-CUBE's unique in-house urethane foam process. This process improves thermal performance by producing correctly sized panels without the need to cut or destroy important surface cells.

"We have also improved thermal breaks, which means inserting a material with low thermal conductivity between internal and external materials to reduce the thermal path between inside and outside temperatures, to better assist with keeping the cold air inside the trailer.

"The inclusion of a fully moulded door seal, increased insulation via a redesigned front wall and floor module, as well as fibreglass dress cappings in the interior corners, further add to the thermal advantages."

Proven results
The company says independent testing has shown a thermal efficiency improvement of five per cent on a standard 22-pallet reefer.

An update to a lightweight full-width skid plate enables drivers to unhook the trailer at sideways angles rather than straight on and has helped to reduce the Classic's overall tare weight. The modular design of the skid plate also means that it can be easily repaired or replaced if damaged, without having to remove and affect the integrity of the trailer floor.

"The new skid plate design is the result of extensive Finite Element Analysis (FEA), accelerated fatigue and in-field testing, each of which have rigorously tested the strength and reliability of the design," says Mr Manfield.

The new Classic also has a reinforced floor and rear frame, coupled with stainless steel rear corner castings. Both are included to allow the trailer to better withstand impact during docking. The inclusion of many modular components allows them to be easily removed or replaced if damaged, while the full-length chassis from bumper to skid plate offers greater strength over alternatives.

MaxiTRANS says it has also re-engineered the floor module for increased internal aperture without compromising on tare weight, strength and durability.

"The internal height, with the exception of our lead model, has been increased by 25mm, which means customers can fit more in and be more productive with each load,” says Mr Manfield.

Safety upgrades
The trailer's internal LED lighting is brighter and the double loader bars are now 50 per cent lighter and easier to manage, while the load rating has increased from 500kg to 670kg per pallet.

Additionally, the Maxi-CUBE Classic Lead model features the company's proven rack and pinion rollback system for fast and reliable loading and unloading. For added durability, the body is lifted off the rollers when left in the forward position, which helps to extend roller life.

"The new Maxi-CUBE Classic is available now to order in Ambient, Reefer, Freezer, Chiller and Hi-Cube Reefer models," says Mr Manfield, who adds that the updated Classic is available at no additional cost over the previous model.

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