Extendable Flatbed Trailer Exported to Ghana

Alura Trailer has completed the production and export of a 3-axle telescopic extendable flatbed semi-trailer to Ghana. The trailer was engineered for transport operations where a conventional fixed-length flatbed is not sufficient, particularly for long steel products, pipes, structural materials, containers and project cargo.

The main feature of this project is its double telescopic extension system. With a closed platform length of 14,630 mm, the trailer can be extended in two stages of 6,300 mm each, reaching a maximum overall platform length of 27,230 mm.

This allows the same semi-trailer to operate as a conventional flatbed for standard loads and as a long-load transport platform when required.

From 14.63 Metres to 27.23 Metres

The telescopic system is the key engineering feature of the trailer. In normal road operation, the platform has a closed length of 14.63 metres. For longer cargo, the chassis can be extended through two separate 6.3-metre telescopic sections.

Telescopic Extension with Pneumatic Locking

The trailer uses a telescopic extension system with pneumatic locking positions at one-metre intervals. This allows the driver to adjust the trailer length according to the cargo being transported.

Additional mechanical stops are incorporated into the telescopic system to reduce the risk of operating errors and to prevent the telescopic section from being extended beyond its intended travel.

For project cargo operations, this adjustable configuration provides considerably more flexibility than operating several fixed-length trailers for different load lengths.

Designed for Long Cargo and Steel Pipe Transport

The trailer was equipped specifically with long-load transport in mind. Six removable pillars are provided on each side of the platform. The pillars measure approximately 1,800 × 80 × 80 mm and can be used to support loads such as steel pipes and other long materials.

Dedicated storage positions are incorporated into the trailer for the removable pillars when they are not required.

Lashing points and Ro-Ro rings provide additional cargo-securing options for different transport operations.

ST-52 High-Strength Steel Chassis

The main chassis is manufactured from ST-52 structural steel using a high-resistance I-section construction.

The chassis was engineered to provide the strength required for the telescopic configuration while maintaining the flexibility needed for long-load transport. The extendable centre structure forms an integral part of the main chassis rather than being treated as an additional platform attachment.

3-Axle Air Suspension with Self-Steering Rear Axle

The running gear consists of three OSMAN KOC axles with air suspension. The third axle is self-steering, helping the long trailer follow the tractor more effectively during turns.

This becomes particularly important when operating the trailer in its extended configuration, where overall vehicle length and turning geometry are significantly different from a conventional flatbed semi-trailer.

The trailer is equipped with 315/80 R22.5 tyres, with 12 road tyres plus two spare tyres. The tyre specification was selected with the intended African operating conditions in mind.

WABCO EBS Braking System

The braking configuration uses a two-line WABCO air brake system with Electronic Braking System (EBS).

The trailer also incorporates protected rear lighting, reflectors, speed plates, side marker lights and a reverse alarm system for operational safety.

Flatbed and Container Transport in One Trailer

Another important feature of this Ghana project is that the trailer is not limited to long-load transport.

A total of 14 twist locks are installed on the platform, allowing the trailer to be used for several container configurations. Depending on the operating requirement, the trailer can accommodate:

• 1 × 45ft container
• 1 × 40ft container
• 2 × 20ft containers
• 1 × 20ft container positioned in the centre

This gives the operator a highly versatile asset: the same trailer can be used for containers during normal transport operations and extended when long industrial cargo needs to be moved.

Hardwood Loading Platform

The cargo deck is finished with high-resistance, long-life hardwood. The timber surface provides a durable working platform while also helping with load friction and cargo protection compared with an entirely exposed steel deck.

The platform is supported by lashing points and removable side pillars so that different types of cargo can be secured according to the transport operation.

Equipment for Project Cargo Operations

The trailer incorporates a range of practical equipment for international and project-cargo transport.

• Removable side pillars for steel pipes and long cargo
• Dedicated pillar storage positions
• Two-part front wall
• Cable handling winch
• Lashing rings
• Ro-Ro securing rings
• Spare tyre carrier with locking system
• Toolbox
• Water tank
• Fire extinguisher box
• Rear rubber wheel chocks
• Reverse alarm system
• Protected rear lighting

Built for Ghana and African Transport Conditions

The final specification of an export trailer must consider not only the cargo, but also the environment in which the equipment will operate.

For this project, the trailer was configured for operation in Ghana with heavy-duty running gear, full-size 315/80 R22.5 tyres and equipment intended for demanding long-distance transport conditions.

The ability to combine standard flatbed work, container transport and long-load project cargo on the same trailer is particularly useful where operators need to maximize fleet flexibility.

Project Gallery – Extendable Flatbed for Ghana

The photographs below show the actual Alura telescopic extendable flatbed semi-trailer manufactured for export to Ghana, including its closed and extended configurations.

One Trailer for Different Transport Operations

The main advantage of this project is operational flexibility. With the telescopic sections closed, the unit can perform conventional flatbed and container transport. When the cargo length increases, the platform can be extended progressively up to 27.23 metres.

For a transport company handling different types of cargo, this reduces the need to dedicate a separate trailer to every load category.

Steel pipes, structural steel, industrial machinery, long fabricated components, project cargo and ISO containers can all be handled by the same trailer when the load dimensions and legal operating conditions permit.

Alura Extendable Flatbed Engineering

Alura Trailer manufactures telescopic flatbed semi-trailers according to the customer's required cargo length, operating region and transport application.

Extension length, axle configuration, steering system, suspension, tyre size, container locks, side pillars and cargo-securing equipment can be configured according to the project.

This Ghana delivery demonstrates a configuration developed around long cargo transport combined with container capability, providing the operator with a multipurpose trailer rather than a single-use platform.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is this extendable flatbed when closed?

The trailer has a closed length of 14,630 mm.

What is the maximum extended length?

Two separate 6,300 mm extensions increase the total platform length to 27,230 mm.

Does the trailer have a steering axle?

Yes. The third axle is a self-steering axle, while all three axles use air suspension.

Can it carry containers?

Yes. Fourteen twist locks allow the trailer to transport 45ft, 40ft, 2 × 20ft or a single centrally positioned 20ft container.

Can the trailer transport steel pipes?

Yes. The platform includes removable side pillars specifically suitable for supporting long cargo such as steel pipes and structural materials.

What braking system is installed?

The trailer uses a two-line WABCO air brake system with EBS.

Can Alura manufacture different extension lengths?

Yes. Extendable flatbed semi-trailers can be engineered according to the required cargo length, axle configuration, operating conditions and customer requirements.