Fabrication quality
of our trailers

Galvanizing

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Hot Galvanizing – the process

The number one goal of the hot dip galvanized is to cover steel with a layer of zinc to protect against corrosion. Zinc oxidation is slow compared to steel. Steel is immersed in a hot molten zinc bath. The time of immersion depends on the volume of the part and it must be sufficient to provide the required thickness of protection, which means until the end of the evolution (time for the article to reach the same temperature as the zinc, roughly 450 C). This time generally varies between 3 and 10 minutes and may exceed 15 minutes for massive parts or special shapes. The structure and appearance of the coating thickness will also depend on the steel composition. Before immersing in the molten zinc bath, the parts require a surface preparation based on well-defined steps. Generally, there are three (3) surface preparation steps which are degreasing, stripping and fluxing. These steps will have a direct impact on the reaction between liquid zinc and steel, and will reflect on the performance of the zinc. All these processes have a significant impact on the desired galvanic quality. As you can see in the above photo, the structure went through 8 steps, from the degreasing to the galvanizing. See what a part looks like during its dipping!

The zinc bath is extremely hot. To ensure a zinc quality control, sophisticated equipment ensures the maintenance of a constant temperature of 450 C. The advantage of the galvanizing in hot zinc is when the freshly clean steel is immersed in a 450 C (840 F) of molten zinc bath, metallurgical bonding of zinc occurs, and these layers are then covered by pure zinc. The first of these two alloys with steel is harder than the base metal. This gives the hot galvanized its excellent abrasion resistance property. While the smooth, pure zinc outer layer absorbs shock, the underlying alloys layers provide effective protection on the base metal. The coating life is predictable providing that climatic conditions to which the coating is subject to are known. In addition, the galvanizing protects the steel and its welds. In the long term, the structure will keep its strength and its original capacity. So the life of the structure is thereby increased by several years!

Also, galvanised steel is a responsible choice.

The raw material is preserved, not corroded steel and helps the steps in recycling scrap metal; with the hot galvanizing maintenance costs are almost non-existent and it is superior to painting! Without successive layers of protection, the paint is compromised in the slightest breach… whereas galvanizing contributes to maintaining the structural integrity of steel and constitutes a significant economy for taxpayers. There is very little metal reintroduced in the environment and when recycling takes place, the energy required to process the zinc is inversely proportional to the quantity of zinc recycled. Why did we choose galvanization? We believe strongly that with this new process, we can provide a higher quality trailer. Those who know us know that our primary objective is to manufacture a product better than what is currently on the market. We believe that this will give a competitive advantage to our products and this will be very beneficial for us all, because being a Canadian manufacturer, we know our climate.

Duracore Technology

• Galvanized steel structure extends the service life of our enclosed trailers, so you make the most of your investment in the long run
• Lightweight and sound structural design increases the rigidity of the trailer
• Ultra-light and durable composite doors

• Thermal insulation between the steel structure and the aluminum prevents premature perforation of the exterior finish
• Trailer ergonomics provides fuel economy
• Each enclosed trailer is designed on the principles of sustainable development, in order to reduce its ecological footprint as much as possible

Manufacturing steps

To run all stages of the manufacturing process, an Ideal Cargo trailer, the production line has 7 major steps.

• Order analysis
• Welding
• Galvanizing
• Timeline
• Outer skin
• Roofing
• Finishing

A quality inspection is performed between each of these steps to ensure that the trailer complies with our standards of quality and fit the specific needs of the client. There is a total of 900 inspection points between the beginning and end of production.

Technical details

Why our enclosed trailers are the best?

Here are the advantages and characteristics of the Ideal Cargo trailers:

• The bottom of the wall is opened and folded so that water can creep in.
• The roof structure is made of galvanized steel tube.
• The rear doors of the trailer framing are equipped with building steel brackets.
• The inside fenders are completely sealed to prevent water from entering the trailer
• Walls anchors are welded and those on the floor are anchored in steel plates welded to the structure.
• Wiring is of very high quality, blocks UV rays, protect against the saline environment and is fire resistant.
• The junction box is easily accessible. All electrical connections and fuses are gathered, facilitating inspection and maintenance.
• Aluminium panels of the trailer are screwed or glued; on all models, Ideal Cargo installs thermal membrane insulation between the steel and aluminium to prevent aluminium corrosion.
• The floor of the trailer is ¾-inch thick hydro protected plywood and the walls are made of 3/8-inch thick plywood.

• The roof is aluminium, without any joints.
• The nose cone is made of fibreglass.
• Zinc Steel Hardware (aluminum available as an option).
• Door stoppers are in stainless steel because the brackets are subject to frequent shocks thereby providing greater resistance.
• Aluminium gutters are installed at the top of the front and rear doors.
• The tongue and the bottom of the doors are made with aluminium checkerplate.
• Trailers are protected by an anti-theft marking which allows police to quickly identify the trailer in the event of theft.
• All mouldings and external wings are riveted and glued.
• Sealed lights are screwed into the steel structure.
• Door seals are very high quality.
• The doors are designed with composite material and covered in aluminium; therefore, they are impact resistant and light.
• Finally, the structure is fully galvanized.

Technology comparison

Miscellaneous advice

Miscellaneous advice

External self adhesive sheets can be a good way to save additional costs when adding advertising on your trailer.

On a single axle trailer, a spare tire might be useful in case of a broken tire or road accidents.

The choice of dark colours results in higher heat inside the trailer in hot temperature.

From 2008, in the United States, it is mandatory to have fans or air vents when one transports motor vehicles. So, if you plan a motorcycle trip or you want to carry your car in the United States in the future with your trailer, don’t forget this new law is active since 2008!

Maintenance of your trailer

Greasing (bearing) wheel bushings is necessary every 5000 km.

Verify that ball bearings are well adjusted after a week of owning the trailer.

Adjust the brakes if necessary every 5000 km.

Check if all hubs caps are still in place.

Check if all lights work adequately.

Wash the trailer with soap and water and not with a corrosive product.

Make sure the tires’ air pressure is according to the recommendation of the manufacturer.

Wheel bolts verification should be made by the customer after the 1st use.

Grease actuator 3 times per year

Towing advice

Check if coupler is attached to the trailer’s ball and make sure that they are of the same size.

Check if security chains are cross-under the pole and attached to the vehicle.

Make sure that the load is distributed evenly on the trailer’s floor.

Make sure that the front and rear of the trailer are level when the trailer is attached to the vehicle.