Knights of Old to float on air with FH12 megas
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by Bryan Jarvis • Northampton-based Knights of Old has extended its exhibition and concert support vehicle fleet with two special-purpose dual-purpose artics.
Hauled by a pair of Volvo FH12-420s with XL Globetrotter cabs, the rigs have air suspension on all five axles to enable them to clear ferry ramps for pan-European tours.
York Trailers built the two mega-trailers for long-distance work, which will range from carrying 26 pallet loads or multi-racks of garments, to supporting high-profile events.
To facilitate unloading mixed loads York has designed pairs of ramps that can be carried beneath the tail on special racks or fitted to the rear. Instead of the usual boat winch each ramp has its own electric motor they can work independently or in tandem.
For extra flexibility within the Knights fleet the Pi-12s have dual-height VBG fifth wheels: the 4.0m trailers have variable height Hendrickson running gear and 19.5in tyres.
Knight's operation director John Kemp is impressed. "They're extremely versatile," he says, "and with air from front to rear the ride is superb."