The order for the trailers was placed initially in 2022, with the first delivered in October 2023, during which time the first 20 18-tonne rigids were also manufactured.
The first trailer and 20 of the rigids were delivered in October, while the remaining two trailers and 32 rigids will arrive in Spring 2024.
The Tiger-built rigids and trailers each feature Anchorfix steel plates impregnated within their GRP-faced sidewalls to provide enhanced protection for the load securing tracks, mitigating damage from frequent cage loading.
The initial 20 rigids are based on DAF LF 4x2 chassis and their specification includes a bespoke aerodynamic kit and a rear-sloping roofline for improved air flow, a full-closure Dhollandia 1,500kg cantilever tail-lift, and ventilators in the roof to combat damp laundry loads. Three different full-print liveries were applied across these vehicles, which have entered service throughout Johnsons’ nationwide fleet.
Tiger’s double deck solution comes in tri-axle box van step-frame guise, with these trailers providing support to the laundry specialist’s rigid fleet and regional hubs by transporting up to 74 cages during times of peak demand. The neck of the trailer offers additional storage space for loose laundry items, aided by an internal tail-lift. The fixed full-length upper deck is rated at 10,000kg and is constructed of steel overlaid with phenolic floor, with a steel durbar crash plate at the rear. The reversing spot lamps on each side have been fitted at a 45-degree offset behind the rear axle to elevate safety and visibility during low-speed manoeuvring around yards and hotel car parks. Completing the trailers’ specification is a gated Dhollandia 2500kg twin-tier column tail-lift.
Johnsons Hotel Linen’s additional thirty-two Tiger rigids are comprised of sixteen DAF and sixteen Mercedes-Benz Trucks chassis. Tiger is also manufacturing a brace of 7.5-tonne rigids for the laundry specialist’s Northern Ireland operation.