Bespoke customisation and technology integration forming integral parts of the customer’s requirements and the solution achieved, Tiger Trailers has, as one of the UK’s leading trailer and commercial vehicle body manufacturers, delivered once again for Dextra Group plc – this time with a 9.6m tandem axle curtainsided double deck step frame trailer featuring several bespoke options.

Tim Pickford, Dextra Group’s Operations Director, comments: “After contacting Tiger Trailers, Jack and Darren were very quick at visiting me to view our operation and understand our requirements. Tiger’s technical team listened to the quality and H&S issues we had been experiencing with our current trailers and re-engineered problems into solutions in our new design. One thing that really impressed me with the Tiger team was that they reacted to comments and criticism from our drivers and in part some of the new design features added were to make the trailers safer and easier to use whilst on the road. We’re very happy to be working with such a customer-focused manufacturer, our Tiger trailers are superb and we’re looking forward to maintaining the innovative collaboration going forward.”

As part of Tiger Trailers’ product personalisation, Dextra specified and chose a hot-dipped and galvanized chassis, bearers and end frames, all covered by an 8-year anti-corrosion warranty. An aerodynamic front panel was included in the design solution, with metallic paint and internal strap storage also added as bespoke choices for the ‘blimp’, and Dextra’s livery was applied to the curtains and various other components. At the rear of the trailer, recessed lights were stipulated to reduce the risk of damage, and Tiger’s designers accommodated a Manitou fork-lift truck mounting kit.

SAF components played a key role in Dextra’s trailer requirements, Tiger fitting disc brake axles to work alongside the Haldex EBS braking system, while the customer also specifically requested the fitment of Michelin’s XTA2+ tyres for energy efficiency gains. The other noteworthy SAF inclusion was the firm’s Tire Pilot active TPMS, which displays an indicator LED on the cab’s offside front pillar when low pressure is detected, upholding safety and reducing tyre wear costs.

Tiger Trailers’ Commercial Manager, Jack Cartwright, comments: “It was a pleasure to work with Tim on this latest order. At Tiger we pride ourselves on providing our customers with a detailed consultancy service, and our designers and engineers enjoyed the challenge of working closely alongside the Dextra team to deliver on their customised trailer. We thank Dextra for these and their continued orders from Tiger, the genuine enthusiasm and passion from Tim and his colleagues bringing an added and much welcomed dimension to each build.”

This being the second Tiger Trailers unit to join Dextra’s 22 vehicle fleet, many of which facilitate lighting installations across Europe, it garnered considerable attention when two of the firm’s most experienced and involved drivers collected the trailer from the manufacturer’s modern Cheshire factory. Interest was further increased by the EN 12642 XL-compliant trailer’s pairing with a Mercedes-Benz Actros truck fitted with Active Drive Assist and also the OEM’s MirrorCam system, which helps reduce blind-spot dangers by displaying the view to the sides of the trailer on large interactive HD screens mounted in the cab.

Dextra Group plc is the largest and most successful privately owned lighting manufacturer in the UK. Founded over 40 years ago by the current owner, the company boasts of the most up to date and largest array of specialist manufacturing equipment to service its client base of installing contractors and direct corporate accounts. Its wholly owned liveried fleet is an integral part of the company’s industry leading service. Additional orders with Tiger is an indication of the close association the two companies have formed.

Tiger Trailers

About the Author: John Loughran