Certainly not one of the first to start using Hot-Dip Galvanizing, but maybe the most visible. As one of the largest in the Semi-Tractor/Trailer Manufacturing industry, Great Dane is another who has teamed with Hot Dip Galvanizing, for lasting corrosion protection for their trailer frames.  

Great Dane did not buy into the benefits of having their frames and trailer steel parts galvanized at first.  One of their largest customers, Federal Express, started having all of their bumpers, undercarriages, and trailer frames galvanized and this certainly helped Great Dane to get educated quickly about Hot-Dip Galvanizing. The benefits, Fed Ex helped them with, the economics, was a plus, and their local galvanizer helped with design issues.  

The redesigning and adding of the small vent holes was probably the biggest challenge.  They had not re-engineered these frames for years and were not ready to start now.  After showing the differences and appreciating the appearances so much more it was just a matter of time.  Some Trailer Manufacturers in this industry are waiting until they have a customer who requests their frames to be Galvanized. Not Great Dane! The request at Great Dane is if you want it any other way but Hot-Dip Galvanized.