Engineered for Long Life

When Reitnouer introduced its first totally bolted aluminum flatbed trailer in 1982, it revolutionized the industry. With its innovative two-piece main beam construction and a whole host of breakthrough features, including a tapered beam design to optimize strength and weight and safety tread deck, the Reitnouer Aluminum Flatbed quickly became the standard against which all other flatbeds were measured. Two decades later, Reitnouer continues its tradition of leadership and innovation.

Extruded of high tensile, 6061 T6 aluminum alloy, the bottom rail on a Reitnouer is flat, while the top rail is arched. Then the two pieces are bolted in the center (along the neutral axis), eliminating any bolting or welding at the flanges, where beam stresses are the greatest. Next, we add solid one-piece alloy cross members. These redesigned cross members have an offset web for more torsional resistance. They are also reinforced between the main rails (where additional strength is needed for coil hauling) with a dual web design. Another Reitnouer first! Plus, an inner flange is extruded to the main beam so the load forces are distributed over an even greater area; and three-piece floating outriggers minimize the stress on the main beam.

Add to that Reitnouer's rail overlap reinforcement at the neck area. This innovative design provides more meat where it's needed most-at the fifth wheel. The landing gear is tied to four cross members for greater load distribution and stability, and the suspension features a "box-type" support mounting for maximum strength. Long "J" shaped mounting brackets distribute load forces over a much larger area than conventional designs, and suspensions and fifth wheel plates are powder coated for optimal corrosion protection.

Reitnouer flatbeds have a unique Safety-Tread Deck so that pallets bite in and drivers don't slip while walking on the deck. And since a trailer's corners take such a pounding, we use solid extruded corners that are extremely heavy-duty. The rear bumper design exceeds DOT standards. Its three-piece design is bolted, allowing easy repair or replacement - an extremely important feature since owners are now required to maintain these bumpers in the original condition and design to ensure long-term DOT strength requirements.