The PVC18 container trailer, fitted with a levelling system and its own hydraulic system, is designed for the transport of ISO containers and for positioning them in the required position using a hydraulically operated levelling system. The total weight of the trailer is 18,000 kg, with an axle load of 2 × 9,000 kg. The overall dimensions of the trailer are 8,240 × 2,550 × 1,290 mm (length × width × height).
The trailer’s base consists of a welded steel structure made of I-beam longitudinal members and cross-members, which is hot-dip galvanised. The trailer is fitted with a ball coupler and a triangular drawbar with a 40 mm diameter eye. The frame includes plastic mudguards with anti-spray guards, two retractable steps for access to the technical and laboratory sections of the container on the side of the trailer, anchoring and recovery eyes, a steel rear bumper and aluminium side guards. An aluminium ladder is mounted beneath the frame at the rear of the trailer.
The chassis consists of BPW air-suspended axle assemblies with 19.5" disc brakes. The trailer is fitted with 445/45 R19.5 Continental tyres and tyre pressure monitoring sensors.
Two pairs of ISO fittings are available for transporting an ISO 1C container. The trailer is levelled by an electro-hydraulic levelling system with a control panel. The system utilises its own hydraulic unit with a power unit and oil reservoir; an emergency hand pump is also available if required. The trailer is stabilised by four hydraulically operated legs, beneath which shims are provided in the event of significant uneven ground. Four levers are provided for manual levelling. The equipment includes two stainless steel lockers measuring 800 × 500 × 500 mm, one compartment measuring 800 × 600 × 500 mm with a control panel, and a compartment for a fire extinguisher, including the extinguisher itself.
The braking system is a dual-line air-operated system fitted with a Wabco ABS/EBS system. The electrical system operates at 24 V and utilises screwless connections and ASS3 quick-connect couplings without terminal blocks. Lighting is provided by ECOLED II rear combination lamps and LED position lamps. The equipment also includes tactical lighting and NATO-standard electrical sockets with protection against water ingress and dust. Electrical connections are provided by a 1 × 15-pin socket, adaptors for the electrical system to 1 × 12-pin and 2 × 7-pin configurations, and a 2-pin NATO plug with a coiled cable for connecting the trailer to an external power source. The trailer is also fitted with a valve for raising and lowering the loading platform.
