This sample project was done for John Thomas, Inc. located in Dixon Illinois in July of 2016.

They specialize in traffic equipment, specifically a portable highway signal trailer that can be adapted to fit multiple types of highway signs/signals depending on the location.  Safer than using a flagger, available 24/7 traffic control, solar powered, completely customizable, and each weighing 3800lbs.  Manufactured in the USA.

Originally these trailers were powder coated with a 7-10 year life expectancy at which time they were removed from service due to corrosion.  While working with John Thomas to extend the life of these trailers we were able to switch the entire base and arms to galvanizing.  All other parts of the trailer are replaceable if needed but the underbody itself is where they experience the most rust in part due to not being able to protect the inside of the tubes with the previous powder coat method.  By galvanizing we are coating the outside as well a the inside of each tube offering more protection and corrosion benefits while extending the life of each trailer.

Galvanizing the signal trailer and arms made sense in more than one area.  From a financial stand point HDG is a large cost deduction for John Thomas vs. the previous powder coat system.  There is also less time spent making repairs due to the delicate nature of assembly on powder coated frames.  Regarding the expected life cycle of a signal trailer, they were seeing a 7-10 year max on the highway due to constant exposure to salt, wear, and weather.  By HDG we were able to increase the life of the trailer to a minimum of 40 years conservatively while offering the option to bring the trailer back in, make repairs or replace the mounted fixtures and send them back out onto the highway.

John Thomas recognized the demand for a product that would stand up to the harsh environments the units are subjected to daily on the highway.  The HDG on the trailers also adds to the visibility of the trailer which is key under any traffic condition.  It is there goal to make HDG a standard on all the highway trailers they build moving into the future.