New 13-axle XL Specialized trailer

XL Specialized Trailers has introduced the 13-axle XL MG 170 West Coast trailer. The trailer boasts one of the lightest weight configurations available in the industry, according to USA-based XL. Energy Transportation Inc. out of Casper, Wyoming, purchased two of the new models for use in the mining, construction and wind transportation industries.

The trailer weighs roughly 10,000 pounds (4.5 tonnes) less than the market norm. At 57,440 pounds (26 tonnes), the new XL MG 170 West Coast trailer hauls loads up to 170,000 pounds (77 tonnes) distributed. The new XL 170 MG can also be configured to weigh 55,000 pounds (25 tonnes) to accommodate weight-specific loads.

"We bought these trailers specifically to handle 170,000 pound loads," said Jim Orr, Energy Transportation Inc.'s operations manager. "The lightweight trailers give us an edge over those using any other 13-axle. A 10,000 pound less weight in the trailer means we can haul 10,000 pounds more payload. The 10 foot [3 meter] wide axles make them especially stable. We have been impressed by the strength and stability of the trailers."

As equipment continues to get bigger and heavier, transporting costs rise and logistics become more complex, according to Scott Wall, CEO at XL Specialized. "Transporting costs rise and logistics become more complex," Wall said. "We work to provide solutions to haul the bigger and heavier equipment with as compact of a design as possible. Our new trailer hauls loads which would require 19 axles on other trailers, on only 13 axles."

Orr said that working with XL on the new trailer design created a strong partnership. "This trailer was a new product for XL as well as for us, and they were there when we test loaded it, when it took its first load, and when we put the first nacelle on it," said Orr. "We are very happy with the customer support, and XL's continued investment in the product."

Orr has used the new trailer for a variety of jobs, Orr said, including hauling 2.5 and 2.75 megawatt wind turbines, a P&H 4100 revolving frame, and a 854 CAT wheeled dozer, among other things.

The main trailer is engineered with a 118-inch (3 meter) flip neck that extends a 14 foot 3 inch (4.3 m) main deck. From the neck, the 30 foot main deck boasts a 15 foot t-deck design to accommodate wind turbine components. The t-deck can be switched out to other available deck configurations. The main deck has a 26 inch (660 mm) loaded deck height and a 6 inch (150 mm) ground clearance, allowing the trailer to traverse on low-maintenance surfaces to reach off-road destinations. The 21 foot (6.4 m) rear deck has a 44-inch (1,118 mm) loaded deck height and disc brakes. A reinforced frame for a 3-axle booster, manual override height control, a raise and lower valve and shut offs on air bags are some of the options available for the main trailer.

The jeep is a skeleton frame with a hatbox used for weight savings. This addition has 2-speed Jost landing gear and a handle on road side, a 13-hp Honda unit mounted on the inside beams, the ability to raise the 5th wheel from 54 to 72 inches (1.37 to 1.83 m), a hydraulic hat box with 18 inches (460 mm) of travel, raise and lower valve, a two tail-light assembly and disc brakes.