BMW and Audi cars may still be more desirable than a Vauxhall, but there are some areas where British manufacturers are excelling — to the extent that German customers are ordering equipment from us.

St Helens-based glass rack specialist Supertrucks has just custom-engineered a high-specification individual glass rack system to meet the requirements of its German export customer for maximum operational versatility and efficiency.

This customer specified its new Iveco Daily long wheelbase, high-roof van with a large 4,465mm long x 2,600mm high external rack.  To make matters more complicated, this very large external rack had to be mounted so that the overall vehicle height did not exceed 3,200mm.

To meet this request, Supertrucks used its specially designed, low-mount, bottom rack mountings to bring the overall height down to 3,200mm.  Like most Supertrucks external glass carrying racks this one is installed without the need to drill the side panels of the van and comes with a 100,000 mile/3year warranty.

Peter Wright, Supertrucks chairman, explains:

“This latest export order reflects our growing presence in markets outside of the UK.  As this order shows Supertucks is able to meet the most specific and demanding requirements for custom-engineered glass carrying vehicles.  This expertise comes from over 30 years’ experience in the glass transport business and considerable investment in the latest design and manufacturing technology.”

Demanding Specification

In addition to low overall height the customer also specified a number of optional safety and efficiency boosting options.  These included the use of light grey rubber mounting surfaces to prevent marking white UPVC window frames during transit.

The rack was also specified with Supertrucks’ patented System 2 security poles.  These versatile load retaining poles can safely and quickly clamp both sheet glass and window frames. The rack was also fitted with the firm’s extra-wide 1700mm carrying ledge, which can be folded up to reduce overall vehicle width when the rack is not in use.

Other options included anodised finish for the all-alloy lightweight rack, the Supertrucks’ GLASS STOP!, which prevents glass sliding forward in sudden deceleration and, for access to the roof rack, an integrated ladder incorporated at the rear of the rack.  The Supertrucks near full-length, full-width roof rack is fitted with a central walkway for improved operator safety.

It’s worth noting that Germany is one of the world’s more demanding export markets, with high standards of safety and quality legislation. Supertrucks’ custom glass rack is fully compliant with all relevant European regulations and has also passed the internationally-recognised German TUV certification, a significant quality hallmark.