Utility Trailer Standardizes Lightweight Brake Drums Across All Models

Utility Trailer Manufacturing Company, LLC has announced that the Trident® composite steel shell brake drum from Accuride will now be standard across all Utility trailer models. These lightweight brake drums reduce weight by 24 pounds per wheel end, offering a total savings of 96 pounds for a dual-axle trailer. By making the Trident drum standard, fleets can maximize payloads and reduce costs. This decision builds on Utility’s 2020 move to offer the Trident drum standard on flatbeds, and customers have since reported superior performance. Starting with the 2026 model year, all Utility reefers, dry vans, and flatbeds will include the Trident drum as standard equipment.

Key Highlights:

Trident® brake drums reduce weight by 24 pounds per wheel end.
Total weight savings of 96 pounds for dual-axle trailers.
Utility made the Trident drum standard on flatbeds in 2020.
2026 models of reefers, dry vans, and flatbeds will include Trident drums as a base specification.
Maximizes payloads and reduces operating costs for fleets.

Mark Glasgow, Chief of Sales for Utility, commented on the decision: “Our continuous testing programs, both in the field and in the lab, have proven the Trident to be the highest quality drums on the market. It comes as no surprise that the Trident drum has been an overwhelming success on our flatbeds, and as an option on our reefers and dry vans. While air disc brakes are the gold standard when it comes to trailer braking, steel shell drums, and specifically the Trident drum, provide an excellent alternative without the added cost.”

Scott Neill, Vice President of Sales – Trailer & Aftermarket for Accuride, also expressed excitement: “We are very excited to support all of Utility’s premium braking requirements across all their models. Utility has been an industry leader for 110 years. By including Trident drum as standard equipment on all models, they continue to demonstrate their commitment to advanced braking systems and other safety features in their trailers.”

About Utility Trailer Manufacturing Company, LLC:
Founded in 1914, Utility Trailer Manufacturing Company is America’s oldest privately owned trailer manufacturer. The company produces dry freight vans, flatbeds, refrigerated vans, and aerodynamic technologies. Utility operates six trailer manufacturing plants across North America and has a dealer network with over 130 locations across the U.S., Canada, Mexico, and South America.

About Accuride Corporation:
Accuride Corporation is a leading supplier of wheel-end systems to the global commercial vehicle industry. Based in Livonia, Michigan, Accuride supplies products under brand names like Accuride®, Gunite®, and KIC®. The company serves a wide range of markets, including commercial vehicles, automotive, agriculture, and construction.semblies, and steel wheels for the European automotive and global agricultural, construction, and industrial equipment markets. Marketed under brands such as Accuride®, Accuride Wheel End Solutions™, Gunite®, and KIC®, Accuride is a portfolio company of Crestview Partners. For more details, visit www.AccurideCorp.com.